Laura Latham Graves

Laura Riley Graves, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived her faith by shining the Love of God into this world, passed into God’s eternal Love on Easter Sunday. Born on May 11, 1960 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Laura died of metastatic bile duct cancer at home surrounded by her family on April 9, 2023.

After graduating from Southern Methodist University, Laura remained in Dallas where she raised her family, developed her talents to an exemplary level, made at least a million friends, and inspired all who knew her with her kindness and generosity.

Laura never did anything halfway. As a young bride in the 80’s Laura didn’t just take up aerobics, she became the most popular instructor at the gym devoting hours to creating just the right mix of music and movement; later she was dedicated to her daily 6 am exercise routine with her daughters and friends.

Inspired by her southern roots, Laura learned to make jelly and proceeded to win ribbons at the State Fair of Texas for her famous Mayhaw jelly and other southern delights. In 2022 alone, well into her cancer treatment, Laura won 7 ribbons in the jam/jelly category.

When Laura’s father died, she became an “Oil Woman”, running the family business in order to care for her mother while exhibiting the same tenacity and sense of fairness that were hallmarks of her life.

In spite of all her accomplishments, Laura was fundamentally about faith and family. She didn’t just espouse a Christian theology, she lived a life inspired by her savior, Jesus Christ. Her compassion for others was legendary – whether it was sending a kind note, dropping off food, flowers, or a simple gift, few could match Laura’s capacity for loving kindness.

But still, for Laura family was everything. She lovingly blended her family of two daughters with her husband Tom’s family to create a joyful symphony of love and laughter. Known by her granddaughters as LaLa, she will always be remembered for spoiling her grandchildren with love, affection, gifts, and toys.

Laura was a beloved member of Chi Omega Fraternity, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Brook Hollow Golf Club, Church of the Incarnation, where she was active in the Altar Guild and Parish Growth Group, and the Dallas Woman’s Club. She is predeceased by her parents, James and Marian Malone Latham, and her former husband Peter Riley; she is survived by her beloved husband Thomas Graves, daughters Peyton Riley Wood (Thomas) and Rachel Riley, stepchildren Gretchen Manning (William) and George Graves (Courtney) and six precious granddaughters: Blakey Riley Wood, Katherine James Wood, Olivia Lee Manning, Madeline Hill Manning, Sawyer Marjorie Graves, and Briar Belle Graves.

The family wishes to express its thanks to Laura’s multitude of friends for their faithful support during her illness. Their food, flowers, notes, calls, visits, and prayers brought comfort and joy beyond measure.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Church of the Incarnation officiated by the Reverend Dr. Christopher Beeley, Rector. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations be made to the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern or the Church of the Incarnation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Graves family.