Wilma Graves Obituary
Wilma "Jean" Baker Graves went to be with Jesus on June 23, 2023 at age 90, just four days shy of her 91st birthday. She attended Friendsville High School and graduated from Everett High School's Class of 1951. Jean was a member of Unity Baptist Church where she sang with the Unity Trio and choir and taught Sunday School for ages 12 to 18 and also taught Bible School for several years. Her first job was at the age of 12 when she delivered the Daily Times from door to door. She waitressed at Noah's Ark and worked in collections in the life insurance industry.
She then entered the medical field, working at Blount Memorial Hospital for a year, UT Hospital for 8 years, Dr. B Gordon McCall for 34 years and Dr. David Cox for 14 years. After retirement she worked as a caregiver. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth S. Graves; son David Lynn Graves; her parents Minnie McDonald Baker and Alvin P. Baker, Sr.; her sisters Mildred B. (Howard) Simerly, Lenora B. (Bill) Farr, Gladys Baker and Maebelle (Bob) Evans; brothers Alvin P. (Josie) Baker, Jr. and Donald J. Baker; father in law Silas W. Graves and mother in law Lucy M. Graves.
Jean is survived by her children Regina G. and Johnnie Adams, Jr.; grandchildren Matthew (Kellie) Graves, Jessica (Tommy) Horst, Kali Adams and Michael Boyd; she was Gigi to great grandchildren MaKella and Mattie Graves, Presley and Lincoln Horst and Silas and Kellan Boyd; daughter in law Dolores Graves of Illinois; special sister in law Betty (Don) Baker. Special nieces Debbie Bailey and Glenda Purkey and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews and many special friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday June 28 at Miller Funeral Home Magnolia Chapel with the funeral to follow immediately at 7:00 PM with Rev. Donnie Baker, Rev. Arkie Baker, and Rev. Barry Crowson officiating.
Family and friends will meet at 1:00 PM Thursday at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for a graveside service and interment. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Home.
