Anita Graves

Longwood, Florida

Anita Earle (Clark) Graves was a blessing to everyone she met; greeting them with kindness behind her beautiful, crystal blue eyes. The treasured wife of 45 years of Randy Earl Graves passed peacefully from this life in the late hours of October 23, 2018 in Longwood, Florida. Born May 16, 1952 in Jackson, MS, the daughter of Earl and Cora (Robinson) Clark, Anita spent most of her life educating hundreds of children throughout Seminole County, Florida. The 3 Clark girls grew up a fixture at their parent’s Jackson restaurant, the Hickory House, serving up steak baskets for Randy and friends. Childhood sweethearts, Anita and Randy graduated from Mississippi State University. Upon their graduation, Randy and Anita embarked onto their lifelong adventure in Florida as they approached everything in life, as a team.

Twice named Teacher of the Year, Anita was committed to her students and went above and beyond for 40 years making sure that every student felt encouraged, loved, and empowered, and finding joy in mentoring young teachers along the way. She was born to teach, beginning her career at a young age educating imaginary students with her sister Donna in their playroom in Jackson - complete with lesson plans, of course.

Greeting everyone she met with a warm smile, Anita touched countless lives and was steadfast and loyal in her love for her husband, sisters, children, and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents Earl and Cora Clark, she is survived by her husband Randy Graves; her children Kasi (Graves) MacFarland and husband David of Casselberry, FL, and Nicholas Graves and his wife Jessica of Clarksville, TN; sisters Marilyn Warren and husband Tom of Barrington, RI, Donna Solti and husband Peter of Ormond Beach, FL. She is survived by 7 grandchildren; Camron MacFarland, Maddock MacFarland, Maisie MacFarland, Cole Graves, Hannah Graves, Jewel Graves, and Harbor Graves; and 13 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in her name to St Jude’s or Shriners Hospital.