Mrs. Bessie Ophelia Cobb Graves closed her eyes and fell gently asleep, after a lengthy illness on January 22, 2023. Her Homegoing Services will be held 3:00PM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at New Hope Baptist Church, 306 S English St, Greensboro, NC.
Ophelia was born on May 17, 1936, in Caswell County North Carolina, the daughter of the late Synda Williamson Cobb Williamson and Earlie Cobb. Ophelia graduated from Caswell County Training School and began working to help support her family. She developed a passion for baking early on and continued to enjoy and find relaxation from providing delicious meals for family and friends until her health declined. Her most sought after dishes were her bubbling hot baked macaroni and cheese and flaky crusted sweet potato pies. She joined the New Ephesus Baptist Church, of Ruffin, NC as a child and later joined and faithfully attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC.
She married Leroy Graves December 24th 1962. They soon celebrated the birth of two children, Sharon Yvette and Sammy Earl. They lived close to family and friends in Yanceyville, until Leroy started his 30 year career at Lincoln Financial Group (Pilot Life) and they moved the family to Greensboro, where Ophelia was a dedicated and faithful worker for over 20 years at Sentry Hardware in Greensboro. She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy Graves, four brothers: Langston Cobb, George Cobb, Earl Cobb and Bobby Cobb; two sisters Mary Cobb Graves Yancey and Emma Cobb; and her son-in-law Theaster Mangum. Ophelia leaves to cherish memories of her love her two children Sharon Yvette Graves Mangum and Sammy Earl Graves (Tonya) both of Greensboro, NC; one sisters Lucinda Cobb Bigelow of Yanceyville, NC. and one sister in law Ruby Cobb (Earl) of Raleigh, NC; four grandchildren TJ Mangum (Whitney), Julia Mangum, Tamia Graves and Jeremiah Graves all of Greensboro, NC; one great grandchild Willow Mangum of Greensboro, and a host of family and friends.
Woodard Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
**Woodard Funeral Home is not affiliated with any other funeral homes.
ROSEMARY BRADSHAW sent Beautiful Dreams for Mrs. Bessie Ophelia Cobb Graves - January 25, 2023
Our sincere condolences to Yvette and Sammy and the rest of Mrs. Graves Family.
The Leo & Martha Bradshaw Family!
Gwyland C. Harrelson sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Mrs. Bessie Ophelia Cobb Graves - January 25, 2023
In memory of my favorite aunt. I will miss you.
Gwen Cobb Harrelson
So sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Ophelia. Praying for you all at this difficult time. Cherish your sweet memories. Dannie N Cobb and family.
So sorry to hear of Aunt Ophelia's passing. Praying for your strength at this difficult time. God bless you all. NS
To the Graves Family, I am so very heartbroken to learn that my forever Mother-In-Law has passed. She always introduced me as her daughter-in-law and I always enjoyed it when all of us went to Yanceyville, NC to visit the other members of the Graves and Cobb family. Mrs. Graves was truly a beautiful and thoughtful person. I will always miss her. Sammy and Yvette, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kindest regards,
Kathy L. Headen, M.S.
Ms.Ophelia you were always a terrific neighbor to my in laws. Your smile lit the room. You always contributed to my daughter's fundraisers. You are a true woman of God! RIPπ My sincere condolences to the Family. She will be missed tremendously. ππ½β€οΈ
Extending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thinking of you and praying for healing during this difficult time.
Nikeata
On behalf of the entire Unit 18-E team, Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Sharon, Sammy and Family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mother. Your parents were our neighbors for many years. They were more than neighbors to us, they were our friends and we loved them dearly. Memories of them will live in our hearts forever. We pray God gives you the strength to endure this trying time.
The Chalmers Family.
My dear sweet Aunt Olphelia, you will be terribly missed by me. I loved you and Uncle Roy, like 2nd parents, and I thank God for all of the beautiful memories and lessons. When I saw you last I was able to feed you some applesauce, and from now on, applesauce will have a special place in my heart. πYou lived your life so that you could get your reward for an everlasting place in Gods kingdom. So, take your rest and just know you will never be forgotten. You are healed and no longer suffering, and for that I'm grateful. You are in a better place, and someday I'll get to see you again and hug your neck. I love you! ~Wendy~
As a short time I have worked and help Ms. Graves, I've enjoyed my time with her and grew an attachment to her and her children. My heart is heavy that our time was cut short but I'm glad to know she is finally at rest and reunited with her love, her husband. My condolences extremely goes out to the family and I pray that each one of you stay strong during this tough time. Prayers to you all.
Destiny Collins
As a short time I have worked and help Ms. Graves, I've enjoyed my time with her and grew an attachment to her and her children. My heart is heavy that our time was cut short but I'm glad to know she is finally at rest and reunited with her love, her husband. My condolences extremely goes out to the family and I pray that each one of you stay strong during this tough time. Prayers to you all.
Destiny Collins
My condolences to the family. Sharon and Sammy your Mother was a sweet and beautiful soul. She will be truly missed. Love you and praying for your family. May God comfort and strengthen you all all during this difficult time. π
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