Evelyn Graves

In my Father’s House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 Sylvester Anne Graves, Sr. was born in Richmond, Virginia to Tellie Faggins and Walter Graves on February 1, 1935. He enlisted into the United States Army where he later received an honorable discharge. Sylvester was very proud that he served his country and was an elite member in the Korean War during that time. He served with distinction and honor. After discharge, he worked at Phillip Morris for 15 years as a machine operator where he retired.Sylvester transitioned into being a truck driver for many years. But the job he loved most was husband, father and grandfather. The life of Sylvester will leave a lasting impression on the lives of many people hetouched with his kindness. Evelyn Graves was born August 13, 1940 in Mullins, South Carolina to Evelinia Lewis and Jerry Lewis, Sr. She graduated from Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia. She furthered her education by attending the Graduate School of Business Administration, School of Medicine at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Richmond City, Medical College of Virginia –School of Practical Nursing and was licensed as a LPN. She was a professional volunteer and was an advocate for the health needs for the unserved within the Richmond Tri-cities. She enjoyed working in management within the health care industry. Evelyn was the Founder and President of the Richmond East End Health and Safety Council. She was formally employed by the Offenders Aide and Restoration Program; Hill Health Corporation and the Veterans Administration Hospital. Evelyn received over 40 awards throughout her lifetime. In her leisure, she enjoyed reading, music, traveling with her husband Sylvester and writing. On Friday evening, April 7, 2023. God, in His infinite wisdom,strolled through “His Garden of Love” and selected two of Richmond’s finest people, Evelyn and Sylvester to join Him in His heavenly home. They both closed their eyes, not wanting to leave each other alone and went together to have eternal life. Their love for the Lord was shown through their spiritual blessings of others. Sylvester and Evelyn were united in holy matrimony, February 1957.They were a couple that loved spending time traveling and visiting family, along with going to the casinos. They even traveled across country with their son Sylvester. They adored their grands which were an extension of their heartbeat. Their personality, generous heart and spirit will greatly be missed by all. They are preceded in death by their family members brothers, Walter Graves Jr. and Ernest “Shorty” Graves; Clinton and Jerry Lewis. They leave to cherish memories to: sons, Sylvester Ann Graves, Jr., Audwin Sylvester Smith, Najeen Smith, Antwan Smith; caring sisters, Jeanette Allen Melody Joyner (Reginald); brother-in-law, Leroy Allen; two grandchildren, Turfona Wormack and Aliya Joyner; two great-grandchildren, Amira Ross and Jada Ross;loving cousin, Lucille Noggin “Baby Girl” (Roger); special devoted cousin, Sharon Coleman (Tyrone); cousins, Levi Hayes (d), Arthur Hayes, Madison Hayes (d) Mary Josephine Liggins (Larry), Carolyn Murray, Abraham Hayes (Shirley), Norman Hayes (Renee), James Hayes (Linnine), David Hayes (d); Willie King Faggins (d) and John Willie; a host other relatives and caring friends; special family friend and caretaker, Anya White and Karen Hicks. It has been devastating to so many to hear of their passing, but the great memories they left with us will be of comfort.

Tributes

Evelyn Graves

August 13, 1940 - April 7, 2023