With profound joy and heartfelt remembrance, we celebrate the life of Bradie Madge Graves-Higgs, who peacefully transitioned from this life on March 19, 2026. Born on April 15, 1938, Raleigh County, Pettus, West Virginia. Bradie graced the world as a loving daughter to Jesse James Graves Sr. and Alice Patrick Graves, and she was a beacon of love, compassion, and community spirit throughout her 87 remarkable years.

Bradie's essence exemplified the portrait of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 who brings value to her family, serves her community with love and conducts her life with character and dignity.

A Trustworthy Partner: Bradie was a proud 1957 graduate of Elliott High School in Raleigh County, West Virginia. She was united in marriage with the love of her life, Robert Royal Bernard Higgs, on August 22, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York. Together, they built a wonderful life filled with love and laughter until Robert's passing on November 28, 2007.

Industrious: Their enduring legacy includes a strong commitment to family and community, as they operated several successful enterprises, including B & O Automotive and Higgs Day Care. In 1987, the family moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where they continued their commitment to community service by establishing Higgs Lawn Care Service and a construction and rehabilitation business. Bradie was also a representative and trade ambassador for Shaklee Products.

Generous & Compassionate: For opening their hearts and home, Bradie and Robert were honored by Mahoning County Children Services as “Foster Parents of the Year” for their demonstrative commitment of providing an affirming and nurturing home to children at-promise. Bradie’s nurturing spirit earned her the affectionate title of "mother" to many, as she embraced the joys of family gatherings and cherished celebrations, especially around the holidays.

Fears the Lord: A devoted member of Christian Life Ministries, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dennis Garner, Bradie dedicated her time and talents to working for the Lord until her health no longer permitted. She was honored as a Church Mother, embodying the spirit of service and faith.

A Woman of Valor: Bradie’s vibrant and infectious personality shone brightly through her various pursuits and activities. Bradie won a dance contest when radio personality Tom Joyner and the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” broadcasted live from Powers Auditorium August 30, 2002. Special guest was the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

Confident and Joyful: Bradie, a proud member of The Red Hat Society, enjoyed life to the fullest through traveling and activities with her group. Bradie also served as the president of The Holly Club which met on Saturdays to play Keno. With her signature smile, she found joy escaping on carefree cruises, energetic line dancing and a suspenseful bingo game.

Wise & Kind Counselor: Bradie was honored at her 80th birthday celebration with the Key to the City of Youngstown presentation by the Honorable Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, a testament to the love and impact she made throughout her life.

Her Children Will Rise and Call Her Blessed: Bradie’s legacy is entrusted to her daughter Shannon Phipps of Youngstown; sons Emannuel and Adam Mallard, of New York, Shawn and Tyshawn Higgs of Columbus; James Higgs, Jermaine Higgs, Eric Higgs, Marcus (Ashley) Higgs, Chauncey Higgs and Marquis Higgs all of Youngstown; Jerome Higgs and Jamal Higgs of Texas; Roger (Pastor Ashawnta “Cookie”) Phipps, Jermaine Phipps and David Phipps of Portland, Oregon; stepdaughters Debra (Anthony) Williams and Cheryl Reamon, both of Virginia, daughter-in-law Sharon Shrewsbury-Higgs, sister-in-law Sandra Smith-Graves, along with a score of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and loved ones.

As Bradie crossed the celestial sands into eternity, she was reunited with her husband; parents; sons Kevin Bernard Higgs, Keith Bernell Higgs, Andrew Mallard and Michael Phipps; stepchildren Denise Higgs and Robert “Bobby” Higgs; siblings Jesse Graves Jr., Paul Graves, Silas Graves, Florence Demery, Lucy Wilford, Marie Watts, Alice, Bertha, and Catherine Graves; daughter-in-law Janessca Thomas-Higgs; grandsons Roger L. Gilmer-Phipps and Mykel Jamor Phipps; great granddaughter Le’Onna Phipps; nephews Jesse “Butch” Graves, Dr. Boyd E. Graves and Reverend David Graves; niece Maxine Jones, and her best friend Delores Hall.

As we gather to celebrate Bradie’s life, we remember her not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the love she shared and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. In recognition of her remarkable life, the family invites the community to gather in remembrance and honor.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:00 AM with Pastor Dennis Garner as the celebrant.

After a committal ceremony, Bradie will rest alongside her beloved husband at Tod Homestead Cemetery. May her vibrant spirit inspire us all to continue spreading love, joy, and community in her honor.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Bradie Madge Graves-Higgs elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

"Warning" by Jenny Joseph
The poem that inspired the Red Hat Society

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit. You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.