Florine Graves was born on March 12, 1929, the fifth child of six children born to George and Rebecca Kendrix Petty. Her birth began a humble journey of 87 years to her reward of her heavenly home, which she entered Sunday, October 9, 2016.
Her first ten years of life were very influential on much of her thinking, as she lived during the Great Depression. Her mother died when she was about five years old, and her father was unable to care for all the children, so Florine went to live with a foster family. She was raised to be a lady with a strong Christian foundation, and that foundation supported her up to her very last breath. She was a graduate of Norman High School and continued to keep in contact with each one of her classmates. She loved music and truly enjoyed being a part of the First Baptist Church of Norman choir. Never one to waver, she was both a strong willed person about her politics and a devoted prayer warrior. She was a Christian lady with a loving heart who was a devoted wife, mom and grandmother. She disciplined with love and sometimes lovingly used a peach tree switch. She stayed true to her convictions and stood firm with her God and family.
Florine was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Bobby Graves as well as her daughter-in-law Milly Graves. She is survived by her four children: Larry Don Graves, Ronnie Joe Graves and his wife Nancy, Shauna Willis and her husband Ron, and Gayla McKinney and her husband Blake. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her sister Evelyn Sheets, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to her devoted girls, Betty Harmon and Rosa Bailey, the caring staff of the Montgomery County Nursing Home, and members of Norman First Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Norman First Baptist Church starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Gilead Cemetery near Black Springs, Arkansas. The family will receive friends Friday evening, October 14, 2016 from 5:45 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. at Norman First Baptist Church, Norman, Arkansas.
Memorial donations may be made to the Norman First Baptist Church, Widow Ministry, 205 Golf Course Road, Norman, Arkansas 71960.
Mark 12:29-31
