Deacon John A. Graves
On January 09, 1953, John Graves was born in Hopewell, VA to Frank Graves Sr. and Emily Spratley Graves. During his time on this earth, he was known by many names - Deacon, Brother, Johnnie, John John, Guido, Granddaddy, Granddaddy John, Webster, Moses, and brother in love.
He was formally educated in the Hopewell Public School System where he attended Hopewell High School, the home of the Mighty Blue Devils, graduating in the Class of 1971. John's accomplishment were, member of the following: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Science Club, Student Council Association, Varsity Football,Track and Wrestling Teams. After High School, he attended Hampton University and later pursued a professional career at Honeywell, as a maintenance follower, which spanned more than 30 years. John also obtained a Master's Degree in Business via online courses.
In 1980, John married Annie Hendricks. This union was blessed for more than 40 years. During this time, he furthered his career by becoming a Union representative for the civilian workers employed at the dining facility on Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams). He established himself as a pillar in the military and in the Hopewell community. Anyone who knew him knew he would go out of his way to help you.
John accepted Christ at an early age. To express his faith in Christ, he became a Deacon with Liberty Chapel on Fort Gregg-Adams. He devoted much of his time to the Liberty Chapel Men’s Chorus.
John and Annie’s love for children led them to work with the Youth in Action program. To further establish himself in the community, John spent much of his spare time working with the Salvation Army. He would also help the less fortunate by assisting with home repairs during Work Camp.
John had many hobbies. Some of his favorites were bingo, golf, fishing and bowling, in which he participated in many leagues and on many teams.
On January 20, 2024, John transitioned this life and earned his eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Graves; father, Frank Graves Sr.; and sister, Rachel Allen.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his two daughters, Claudette Gay Ridley (Anthony),and Lillian Remal Jackson; his mother, Emily Graves; his siblings, Katherine Spratley, Frank Graves Jr. (Yolanda), Ardel (Curvey Jr), and Lynette Parker; eight grandchildren, Shawnta, Calvin, Jazmine, Jonique, Joel, Jakayla, Ayanna and Zy’ante; and seven great grandchildren, Jelani, Mackenzie, Makayla, Jaliyah, Cameron, Madison and Deara; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren (Ta’nya), church family, co-workers and friends.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Milton and Lisa Taylor and staff, of the group home where John resided until his transition. We would like to thank you for the love and care your team/family provided.
Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, Petersburg, Virginia.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 3:00 pm. at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God In Christ, 233 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Pastor, Elder Wendell Fletcher, Liberty Chapel, Fort Gregg- Adams, Virginia, Officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Petersburg, Virginia on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
The family is asking that relatives and friends assemble at his daughter’s residence - Lillie Jackson, 2958 Lookout Ln., Prince George Virginia at 2:00 p.m. on the day of service.
Masks are required at all visitations and services.
Service may be viewed by Live Stream at
/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream http://www.facebook.com/jldodsonandsons
Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com “Our Family Servicing Your Family”