Sandra Rose Graves

Sandra Rose Graves (Sandy) was born on July 30, 1946 in Bronx, New York. On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, God transitioned His daughter to her heavenly home. A gift from God, she was the baby girl of three children born to their proud parents, Joseph Dewey Jones, Sr. and Eleanor Goff Jones.

Her spiritual birth and growth began at an early age when Sandra accepted Christ as her personal savior, joined and was baptized at the Loyal Baptist Church in Bronx, NY.

Sandra was educated in the Bronx public school system and graduated from Morris High School. She attended Queens College in Queens, NY.

In 1965, Sandra was united in holy matrimony to Wilbur Stephen Graves II, affectionately called Billy. Sandra traveled with Billy during his tours of duty while he served in the United States Army. Sandra and Billy were blessed with two children, Monique Graves Frazier and Wilbur S. Graves III. Sandra was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

Sandra’s professional career began in 1966, when she and Billy moved from Hollis, NY to Deer Park, NY and then to Mastic, NY. She was employed at the Suffolk State Developmental Center as a Mental Hygiene Therapist. Sandra retired from the State of New York and moved to Williamstown, New Jersey. Her next career moved her into the gaming industry. She worked as a supervisor in Trump Plaza and Taj Mahal casinos in Atlantic City, NJ. In the early 1990s, Sandra and Billy relocated to Tampa, Florida where Sandra advanced her career becoming a supervisor at Target.

Wanting to be near their grandchildren, Sandra and Billy moved to Texas in 2006. Sandra continued to work for Target and retired in 2012.

Her favorite pastimes and hobbies were gardening, bowling, bingo, arts and crafts. She was bold, creative, vibrant and extremely sociable. There was nothing that she liked better than an interesting conversation with a new or good friend. Sandra could have an engaging conversation with anyone. She earned the nickname “social butterfly”.

Left to reflect and cherish her memory and legacy are her children, son Wilbur S. Graves III, of Bakersfield, CA, daughter Monique Graves Frazier of Ovilla, TX, brother Joseph D. Jones, Jr. of Tampa, Florida and four grandchildren: Robert Frazier II of Houston, Texas, Ryan Frazier of Ovilla, Texas, Courtney Graves of Sacramento, California and Ava Graves of Houston, Texas, brother-in law, Gerald Davis, sister-in law, Daphne Silas (Bruce), nieces: Gernise Flowers (Terry), Caron Bush (Gerald), nephew, Darryl Davis (Aleshia), and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to celebrate her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Maryanne Davis.

We will always have fond memories of Sandra because of her dedication and love for her family and friends. She will be missed but never forgotten.

A special thanks to all caregivers, Oncology Team, Family and Friends.