Celebration of Life Annie Wee (Pee Wee) Thomas Hendricks Graves

On February 29 1944, Annie Wee Thomas was born in Birmingham, Ala, to Alonzo and Lillie Mae McAllister. During her time on this earth, she was known by many names, Pee Wee, Nana, Grandma, mama, and Sister in Love. She received her formal education in the Detroit Public School system where she graduated from Eastern High School in 1961. After High School, she pursued and obtained a degree in social work from Wayne State University. She continued her professional career to become a manager at Howard Johnson, where she managed for many years

On September 21 1963, Annie married her childhood friend Claudell Hendricks. The two share a union of 17 years. From this union, Annie and Claudell were blessed with two daughters, Claudette Gay and Lillian Remal. Annie became a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, in which she served for 50+ years. She faithfully served in many capacities and obtained the title of Past Worthy Matron.

Later in life Annie remarried, marrying John A. Graves. This union was blessed for 40+ years. During this union, she further her career by becoming a Child Care Specialist with the Child Development Center for 20+ years. During these years she established herself as a Pillar in the Fort Lee and Hopewell communities. Anyone who knew her, knew she was a loving person, as a matter of fact she didn’t have to know you to love you.

Annie accepted Christ at an early age. To express her faith in Christ, she became a Deaconess with Liberty Chapel on Fort Lee. Annie’s love for children led her to work with the Youth In Action program. She also devoted her time the Liberty Chapel PWOC. To further establish herself in the community, Annie devoted her spare time to work with the Salvation Army, she would also help the less fortunate by assisting with home repairs during Work Camp. Annie also loved hobbies, one of her favorite hobbies was bowling, in which she participated in many leagues and on many teams.

On November 3 2021, Annie transitioned this this life and gained her wings. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her mother in law, Emily Graves, her sister Patricia Cohen, two brothers Roosevelt and Anthony Cohen, three daughters Claudette Gay Ridley (Anthony), Lillian Remal Jackson, Kimberly Patrick, eight grandchildren, Shawnta, Calvin, Jazmine, Jonique, Joel, Jakayla, Ayanna and Zy’ante, and six great grandchildren Jelani, Mackenzie, Makayla, Jaliyah, Cameron and Madison, two brother in laws, seven sisters in laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, church family, co-workers and three devoted friends Belinda, Lisa and Ms. Pat.

Viewing for Mrs. Annie Wee Graves will be on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm at the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment – Petersburg.

Celebration Of Life Service For Mrs. Annie Wee Graves will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 12:00pm at Liberty Chapel, 9100 C Avenue, Fort Lee, Virginia 23801. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to service. Colonel James Palmer, Office Of The Chief Of Chaplains Washington D.C. Officiating, Eulogy. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 1911 Birdsong Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 with full military honors.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the residence of her daughter Lillian Jackson 2958 Lookout Ln. Prince George Virginia on the day of the service at 10:45 pm.

Service may be viewed by Live Stream at /https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream

Masks are required at all visitations and services. All attendees are also asked to follow social distancing guidelines.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com “Our Family Servicing Your Family”