Mrs. Ruth Maynard Graves, a native of Rockingham County, NC, departed this life on June 11, 2014 at Annie Penn Memorial Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15, 2014 at Benaja Mt. Zion Holiness Church of God, Inc., Reidsville, NC. Family visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Graves was the daughter of the late James Henry and Gertrude Maynard. She was married to the late Bishop John H. Graves for 57 blissful years until his death in 2002. To this joyous union, they were blessed with eight children.

Mrs. Graves was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Being a homemaker for many years, she took great pride in providing a nurturing and safe home environment for her family.

She was a devoted member of the Benaja Mt. Zion Holiness Church of God, Inc. where she served as her husband's number one supporter as he spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. After his death, she continued to be a faithful supporter of the ministry at Benaja and will always be remembered for her musical talents as a percussionist for many years; but she will be remembered most for her undying love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Along with her parents and loving husband, four siblings preceded her in death: Mr. George Maynard, Mr. Horace Maynard, Mrs. Qumilla M. Allen, and Mrs. Elizabeth M. Taylor and a great-granddaughter, Kassie Graves.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons: Dr. James H. Graves (Mae) and Command Sergeant Major Robert W. Graves (Bernice); six daughters: Deacon Susie G. Williams (Robert), Rev. Judy G. Lawson (James), Bishop Felecia G. Kellam (David), Ms. Mary G. Jones, Mrs. Sharon G. Neal (Gregory), and Minister Donna G. Nealy (Terence); five sisters: Mrs. Bernice M. Hill of High Point, North Carolina, Mrs. Gertrude M. Isley of Greensboro, North Carolina, Mrs. Geneva M. Ferguson of Greensboro, North Carolina, Mrs. Marie M. Dent and Mrs. Eunice M. Jenkins both of Hartford, Connecticut; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-two great-grandchildren, and a host of close relatives and friends.


The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Rucker Family Care Home for the loving care provided to our mother and to the staff of Annie Penn Memorial Hospital and the Penn Center, for the love and devoted care shown to our mother during her final days.

The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Judy Lawson, at 185 Crutchfield Road, Reidsville, NC.

McLaurin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Please sign Guest Book.