Mary L. Graves

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” -- II Timothy 4: 7-8

Life Began: Mary was a woman of faith who loved the Lord and fulfilling her Christian duty was the nucleus of her life. Mary’s life began in Brookhaven, MS on November 1, 1930. She was the 4th child born to the late Calvin P. Adams, Sr., and Minnie L. Bearden Adams. While attending Alexander High School in Brookhaven, MS. Mary was a member of the track & field and basketball team (medal in standing long jump) cheerleading squad, and school newspaper. Mary, while married to Lenyon “Bedoc” Beard, Sr. was an instrumental force as they assisted family and friends who wanted to relocate to Michigan for better opportunities. Mary’s life echoed the words from the song, “If I can help somebody as I travel alone…then my living shall not be in vain.” She overcame infertility through divine intervention at the age of 27. Mary and Lenyon, Sr. had four children.

Life Shift: In 1966 she married Edward Graves, and to this union 2 children were born. In 1968 she left her career as a seamstress to begin work at General Motors. Continuing to faithfully serve the Lord as usher, choir member, and actively participated with the women’s ministry. Mary continued to grow in her faith while serving others through Missions trips: Africa, South America and Israel as a member of Mount Hope Missions Team under the leadership of Pastor Dave Williams. Mary also earned a certificate in Leadership from the Bible Training Institute.

Life Lived: Mary was appointed by UAW International Union as a Benefit Plans Representative for local 652 and served until retirement in 1996. Mary continued to be a strong advocate for equal rights as a Member of the CAP committee, she successfully campaigned for delegates to several UAW constitutional conventions: she served as women’s committee chair and in her role hosted national ERA advocates such as former First Lady Rosalyn Carter. In 1974, she served as EPA Commissioner- representing GM under Governor Milliken. Attended the International Women’s Year Conference in 1977. She also became a founding member of Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) and served for many years as financial secretary for A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI).

Life Transitioned: On September 23, 2024, at 7:49 a.m. God called another angel by the name of Mary L. Graves home. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Johnny Mae Adams, Jesse Mae Wallace, Naomi Adams, brother, Calvin P. Adams, Jr., husband, Edward H. Graves and daughter, Sabrina Graves.

Life Remembered: Mary leaves her loved ones with a lasting impression and a lifetime of fond memories. She is survived by five children: Erle S. Beard, (Madison, TN) Silvester C. Beard, Lenyon Beard, Jr., Donna M. (Alan) Cain (Lansing, MI), and Elizabeth H. Graves (Goodlettsville, TN), seven grandchildren; Shaunda M. Wells, Erle S. Beard, Jr., Marcus G. (Kierra) Cain, Jeffrey A. Cain (Bria), Sabrina L. Beard, Noah A. Smith, and Adia E. Smith. Nine great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. Three brothers and one sister, Rev. Marvin (Tonya) Adams, Calvin (Frankie) Adams, Richard Adams, Edna Ruth Adams (all of Jackson, MS). Beloved nieces, nephews, Godchildren, loving cousins, and friends. Her smile will continue to shine down on all who knew and loved her. Mary may be gone from our sight, but she will never be gone from our hearts.