Bettie Gray Graves

Funeral services for Bettie Frances Gray Graves, age 91, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Camp and Dr. Paul Clayton officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery. Mrs. Graves passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Tennova Healthcare - Regional Jackson.

She was born on October 18, 1925 in Stamford, Texas where she spent her early years. After high school, Bettie attended nursing school at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas where she met her husband of 60 years, Dr. Oliver H. Graves. They made their home in Jackson, TN where Bettie was active in the Jackson Service League, Girl Scouts of America, and volunteering at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

Dr. and Mrs. Graves were instrumental in the restoration and preservation of the Carnegie Free Library Building in Jackson. Mrs. Graves was a long time member of First United Methodist Church and the Dick Nunn Sunday School Class. She loved volunteering her time at church and served on numerous committees. Bettie enjoyed traveling the world and attending professional tennis tournaments with her husband. Bettie loved supporting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all of their activities and could often be found at a baseball, softball, soccer, or football game, at a bike race, or at a recital or school performance.

She is survived by three daughters, Pat Elcan (Jim), Francie Lewis (Phil) and Ruth Gaddis; five grandchildren, Mitch Elcan (Leigh), Shannon McClain (Charles), Carrie Duborg (Richie), Joe Gaddis (Carolyn), and Brent Lewis; six great grandchildren, Ella McClain, Harrison McClain, Olive Duborg, Gray Duborg, Anthony Gaddis, and Chloe Gaddis; and her nephew, Dr. James Barnes (Suzanne).

Her husband Oliver, and her parents, George and Thelma Gray preceded her in death.

Pallbearers to serve are Jim Elcan, Philip Lewis, Mitch Elcan, Joe Gaddis, Brent Lewis, Charles McClain, and Richie Duborg.

Much heartfelt appreciation is extended to Elmcroft Assisted Living for their tender love and support.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 1-2 p.m. in the Disciple Hall of First United Methodist Church.

The family requests that memorials in Bettie's memory be directed to First United Methodist Church, 200 So. Church St., Jackson, TN 38301 or to the charity of the donor's choice

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555