Eileen Gonce Graves

Eileen is survived by her son, Richard Wilson Graves (Connie), two grandchildren, Patricia Eileen Lyle (Chase) and Richard Henry Graves II (Kayla), her sister, Gail Chickey (Bob) and several nieces and nephews. She had three great grandchildren: Ella Kate Graves, Thomas Edward Lyle II and Anna Ruth Graves. She was loved by many who knew her, especially those who regarded themselves as her extended family.

Mrs. Graves attended Cohn High School in Nashville. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Peabody College as well as a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She taught and coached countless children throughout her career that included: physical education, health, art, home economics, basketball, track, tennis and volleyball before retiring from Dupont High School in 1987. She was one of the first to organize a high school dance team at Glencliff High School.

She enjoyed many hobbies and was a member of several organizations and clubs in Nashville. Most notably she enjoyed golf, decorating, painting, and teaching water aerobics. She often traveled with her sister, Gail. They saw Broadway plays in New York, toured through Europe and took beach trips to Florida; she loved it all. Eileen was a proud member of the Golden Girls, Old Hickory Country Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She found joy in living on the lake, where she and Richard moved in 1973.

A life well lived and loved.

The family would like to thank Adoration Hospice for the care Eileen received over the past year up to her passing. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Susan Floyd, a former student, will officiate a graveside service for family Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.