Dakota Elizabeth Graves passed away in a vehicle accident on February 28th, 2024, which was also her 17th birthday. She was born on February 28th, 2007, to Amber Caroll and Ashley Graves. Dakota was a lively and cheerful child from the start. She was known for her bright smile, spunky attitude, and would greet everyone in the halls of her school. She had a habit of complimenting others on their hair, personality, outfit, or shoes. Dakota was always ready to make people smile, give them a warm hug, and stand up for those who were being treated unfairly, even if it meant that she would get into trouble herself. She was a friend to all and loved everyone.
Dakota was a junior at Mortimer Jordan High School and participated in various extracurricular activities. She was a regular at school events, cheering on her friends during their sports events. Dakota was a mat maid and bopper for the wrestling team and was always excited about meet days. She played softball from a young age and continued to play until her middle school years. However, her true passion was dance, and she spent 13 years at Beverly's Dance Studio, excelling in various dance types. On weekends, she would hang out with her friends at the skating rink, creating TikTok dances, and having fun.
Dakota was welcomed into Heaven by her grandparents, including Joy and Jones Hughes, Dorothy Mann, Mabel Graves, Willis Graves, Michael Hughes, and Elizabeth Benham. She is survived by her parents Amber and Matt Caroll, and Ashley and Jada Graves; her siblings Lexi, Gabbi, Jayden, Presley, Rylan, Jaxon, Tara, and Stella; her grandparents Janis "Memaw" and Gary "Pepaw" Graves, Susan "Grandma" Routh, and Wanda "Nana" Blackwelder; her great grandparents Carl Mann, Bernie Benham, and Sandra "MawMaw" Moore; her aunts and uncles Wesley Graves, Nick and Mindy Graves, Adam and Amanda Hughes, Aaron and Patti Hughes, Austin Hughes, Sawyer and Heather Harris, and Alecia and Kayla Blackwelder; her cousins Mason, Aubree, Ayden, Zooey, Logan, Lily, Jaylen, and Bex; and many great aunts, great uncles, cousins, extended relatives, and numerous friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel. A Celebration of Dakota's Life will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Church of the Highlands - Fultondale Campus. Dakota will be laid to rest at Liberty Minter Cemetery immediately following the service. The family request casual dress as Dakota enjoyed being casual, you may also join the family in wearing purple.
