Rev. Curtiss Earl Graves

Obituary For Rev. Curtiss Earl Graves

Reverend Curtiss Earl Graves passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after facing his health battle with a valiant and unwavering spirit. Born in Greenville, Mississippi on August 15, 1949, he moved to Canton, Ohio at an early age, where he would leave a lasting legacy of service, faith, and love.

Curtiss was a proud graduate of McKinley High School. He began his professional journey with the City of Canton in the maintenance department before honorably serving in the United States Navy. After completing his military service, he returned home and began working for East Ohio Gas Company. In 1986, he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lived and worked for over three decades. Due to health concerns, he returned to Canton in 2016 to be closer to family and later worked part-time at the Akron-Canton Embassy Suites Hotel until his official retirement.

Curtiss was deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He first joined Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W.C. Henderson, where he was ordained as a Deacon. Later, he moved his membership to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church under the late Reverend Henry Winters. There, Curtiss received his calling into ministry and was licensed and ordained by Pastor Winters and the late Reverend James Matthew, Sr. of Shiloh Baptist Church. During his time in Milwaukee, he served faithfully at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Upon returning to Canton, he rejoined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, serving as an Associate Minister.

Reverend Graves was known for his engaging personality—he never met a stranger and was always ready for a good conversation or to share the Word. When not preaching, he enjoyed old black-and-white films, especially Westerns, and often laughed heartily at his favorite movies, Friday and Next Friday, as though he were watching them for the first time. He loved having breakfast at Denny’s and Bob Evans, where he was always greeted warmly by name. Outback Steakhouse held a special place in his heart as the spot he frequented with his late son, Curtiss Shawn, where they shared both meals and meaningful conversations.

A devoted father and grandfather, Curtiss cherished time with his family and had a special bond with his granddaughter, MacKenzie, who—with her mother, Nakia, and his devoted brother Kevin—helped care for him during his illness. He also found warmth and family connection through shared holidays and meals at the home of his former spouse, Sister Judith Graves.

Despite the challenges he faced, Reverend Curtiss maintained his sense of humor, positive outlook, and unshakable faith. Though his passing leaves a deep void, he would urge us to remain strong, faithful, and hopeful.

He is survived by his loving children: daughters Nakia Knight of Canton and Catrice Rhodes of Strongsville; sons U.S. Air Force (retired) Chief Master Sergeant Robert Micah (Melissa) Graves, of Ashburn, VA; Jermyah Graves of Cheverly, MD; and Trinton Graves of McKinney, TX. He also leaves behind sisters Mary (Blaine) Davis of Rio Vista, CA, and Alma Stevenson Bailey of Canton; brothers Arthur Graves and Kevin (Debbie) Stevenson of Canton; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of cherished friends.

As his faith became sight, Rev. Curtiss was reunited in eternity with the ancestors which include his beloved parents; adored son, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Curtiss Shawn Graves; sister, Jeaneen Marie Stevenson; brothers Jerry Melvin Graves, Richard Earl Stevenson, Robert “Sonny” Stevenson, Lonnie J. Stevenson; and nephews Jeffery Graves, Eric Graves, and Ramsey Stevenson, all who preceded him in death.

Psalms 116:15 assures us, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” The life and works of Rev. Curtiss Graves will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Zion's Temple Church of God 1103 Seventh Street NE. All are welcome to come and honor the life and legacy of this extraordinary man. There will be a public viewing at 10:00 AM and the funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. After the committal ceremony, Rev. Graves will be laid to rest in the serene meadow of North Lawn Cemetery with military honors.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Rev. Curtiss Graves elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1617 Third Street N.E, Canton, OH, 44704 Phone 330-454-3901