Shirley E. Graves

Shirley E. Graves, age 73, transitioned from this life Saturday, October 19, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was born June 28, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio to Alvin and Savanah Graves.

She was a graduate from Dunbar High School, Class of 1964. After high school she worked at the NCR Corporation for over 10 years. She retired from Dayton Public School with 35 years of loyal service and she had a small business called "Magic Scarfs". In her earlier years she attended Bethesda Temple and transitioned to New Life Temple Ministry. After she retired she studied Eastern and Western Religion from Sinclair Community College. She received her certificate from the State of Ohio as an Ordained Interfaith Minister and was also licensed to Solemnize Marriages. She obtained her communication and presentation skills from Toastmasters International. She gave her first presentation on the Four Seasons in 1997. She taught "The Seasons of Life" at Sinclair Community College Lifelong Learning Program. She believed that the Seasons of Nature are reflections of the Seasons of Life in our lives. Every situation, circumstances, or event can be viewed as a season. She had a deep abiding interest in spirituality, a passion for knowledge, physical, mental and spiritual growth and development. She felt that it would be simply inconceivable that her life experiences should be wasted on her alone and oblivious and meaningless by death without somehow serving others. "I did not die with my dream on the inside of me. I have enjoyed my life of spiritual exploration within, and sharing with others what I have learned." She took great pride in her unique ability to connect with people on many different levels of mental, emotional, and spiritual points of view. Shirley sought to make a contribution to the lives of others, and especially her family. She always enjoyed a good conversation with anyone needing to talk. Shirley was extremely involved in the lives of her daughter and 3 grandchildren, for they were her world and she truly loved them with all of her heart. "My greatest blessings call me Mom and Grandma. You all have made my life worth living. And I am grateful for the years I've had upon this earth to know God, and the greatest family that he gave me to love and be loved by. I know each of you love me; thank you."

She was preceded in death by her mother Savanah Lewis, father Alvin Graves, sister Evelyn Graves, and brother David Lewis. She leaves to cherish precious memories and celebrate her legacy; her beloved daughter, Charmain McCutchen, (3) grandchildren, Shyra Thomas, Charles Foster IV, and Chaz Foster, (1) sister Carnetta Slater and her husband Hampton (Kelo) Slater and a host of other loving family members and friends. She will truly be missed by her daughter, grandchildren, sister, family and friends.

Homegoing service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Newcomer North Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Phillip Paschal, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment at West Memory Gardens.

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