Obituary For Wilhelmina Graves

~The Obituary~ “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ​​​A Time to be Born Mrs. Wilhelmina Graves was born on July 12, 1943 in Dillon County, South Carolina to the late Allen (Matt) Johnson and the late Sarah (Coot) Rose Johnson. ​​​A Time to Learn and Work Wilhelmina was a farm worker for many many years. Wilhelmina developed her work ethics at the young age of 12 years old. She was a hard and dedicated worker especially on those long hot summer days. She worked for Quick Farm as a farm worker all her life until her health failed. She was well known in the Minturn and Little Rock communities for working for the Quick family. ​​​​A Time to Love Wilhelmina married James L. Graves on August 8,1964 their relationship developed after being friends and knowing each other for quite some time, upon moving to Brooklyn, NY. They became the proud parents of the late James Willie Graves, Two sons: Derrick (Ann) Graves, of Rowland, NC and Albert Graves of the home. Daughter In Law; Patricia Graves of Conway, SC. Two stepdaughters: Janet (Charles) Gillon of Piscataway, NJ and Regina (Nyreek) Ali-Uthmar of Hillside, NJ. Eight grandchildren: Shanay of Lumberton,NC; Ashanti of Dillon, SC; Charquita of Charlotte ,NC; Zachary, AJ, both of Dillon, SC; Jacob of Conway, SC; Alainah and Naythan of Lumberton, NC. Five great-grandsons who she loved so dearly: Sha’Niyah, NiVeair, both of Lumberton, NC; Caiden, Zaylyn and Sareya, both of Dillon, SC. Siblings: two sisters: Shirley (Roosevelt) Pouncey and Mildred Hayes all of the home, Five sisters-n-law: Barbara (Albert) McCollum, Virginia (Jesus) Velazquez ,Flora Graves, all of Dillon, SC Patricia Johnson of Augusta, GA and Mary Johnson of Rahway,NJ. Two brothers: Wilbert Johnson of Portsmith, VA, and Richard (Maenetta) Johnson of Dillon, SC. One brother-n-law: Joseph (Dorothy) Graves of Dillon, SC. One adopted brother: Rev. Boyd Johnson and family of Maxton, NC; two best friends Emma Mae Chavis and Julia Hines both of Dillon,SC., a host of nieces, nephews and other relative and friends. A Time to Serve Wilhelmina was a faithful and dedicated member of the Millers Chapel AME Zion Church where she served as an Usher. She had a passion for cooking and feeding anyone that needed to be fed. She loved her Dallas Cowboys. She was a strong disciplinarian but had a heart as pure as gold. She showed unwavering love to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, church family, friends, other relatives and other people in that she encountered through cooking on her life’s journey. She was also known for her collard greens, turnips, and corn bread that we all loved so much! A Time to Die Wilhelmina departed her life on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at home,with her family. Strengthen and determination was the characteristics of her nature. She was preceded in death by her husband James L. Graves;One son James Willie Graves; Five brothers: Allen Johnson, Jr., Willie James Johnson, Edward Johnson, Luther Johnson, and Wendell Johnson. One sister: Deloris Johnson. Two brother-n-laws: Horace Hayes and Charles Graves. Eight sisters-n-law, Annie Mae Johnson , Mary Johnson, Lois German, Nancy Dupree, Argie Ford, Angie Graves, Docia Allison and Fronnie Graves; One aunt: Mae Bell Brody. A Time to Mourn We will cherish her memories forever: Her children: Derrick, Albert, Janet and Regina; grandchildren: Eight grandchildren: Shanay of Lumberton,NC; Ashanti of Dillon, SC; Charquita of Charlotte ,NC; Zachary, AJ, both of Dillon, SC; Jacob of Conway, SC; Alainah and Naythan of Lumberton, NC. Five great-grandsons who she loved so dearly: Sha’Niyah, NiVeair, both of Lumberton, NC; Caiden, Zaylyn and Sareya, both of Dillon, SC. In laws, adopted daughters, god-children, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, friends, the community at large and those whose lives she touched during her lifetime. Rest Beloved Rest!

~One Day at a Time~ You lived your life one day at a time. The words you shared were always kind. You loved us all with your whole heart. It saddens us to be apart, and forever we hold you in our hearts. Today you stand in God’s bright light. Watching over us day and night. In our hearts you will remain Until the day we meet again…. Forever Your love will live on in our hearts and the hearts of those you touched. We are so grateful to God for blessing our lives with the beautiful gift of you. We miss you sweet angel, more than you can imagine. ​​​​​Your children Grandma’s Gone To Heaven One quite day the angels Came And took grandma far away But in the stillness of the night I could almost hear her say Dear grandchild- I will miss you You mean so much to me But Jesus called me to his side In Heaven I will be A place of God’s great beauty No tears or earthly cares Only peace & joy forever And love beyond compare So remember all the good times Don’t think about the sad Treasure all the special moments Through the years we’ve always had And if you trust in Jesus I can promise this & more You will get a hug from grandma Someday on Heaven’s golden shore. ​​​​​Your grands and great-grands

Guest Book

To Derrick and the family, we are so sorry for your loss, you all are in our prayers. Hazel and Sons

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My sincere condolences to the Graves family. A beautiful soul has left this life to go to be with her Heavenly Father. There will be another beautiful Angel around the throne.. May God wrap his arms around this loving family and comfort them during this difficult time. The Jones Family

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There are no words for the legacy Aunt Mina has left on our family. Her shining personality will live on in our hearts.

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My sincere sympathy to the Graves Family. May your love and memory of the loved one sustain you at this time. Remember that God provides peace and comfort to those who mourn. I shall remember you in prayer. Magnolia T. Williams

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Our sincere prayers and condolences to this family. May God immensely console you during this very difficult time. Jason and Betty Gunter

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My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in his amazing grace. The Sowells Family

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We are blessed with people who touch our lives in ways we can barely even understand. They have been there for us whether we knew we needed them or not. Mina was truly both of these. The Johnson Family has lost yet another pillar, but Mina will never truly be forgotten. She did so much for everyone who knew her, and that incredible presence and generosity WILL be missed. Every time I return to the house, I will feel the emptiness and try to accept that Aunt Mina is no longer with us. Mina, you will forever live in our hearts and in our souls and we will never forget you. God Bless you. Until we meet on the other side. We Love You!! -Tony Carmichael & Family

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I've known Mina and the Johnson family most all of my life. Mr. Matt, Miss Coot, Mook, Willie B, Johnny.... The McClain family is locked at the hips with the Johnson family. We love you and grieve with you. Mina has journeyed down the path that we all will someday. I'll bet the Johnson and McClains in Heaven are celebrating Mina's arrival. Rest in peace, my sister.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Bartell Funeral Home, LLC. | Dillon, SC