Mary Etta Graves

Mary Etta Graves, a beloved daughter of Joel Graves, Sr. and Bessie Mae Graves and an unwavering pillar of the Vicksburg community, passed away peacefully on September 30 2024, in her hometown at the age of 69. Born on September 28, 1955, Mary carved a vibrant path through life that exemplified resilience, love, and the spirit of service.

Known far and wide as a jack of all trades, Mary dedicated over 25 years to her most notable roles as a Bail Bondsman and Bounty Hunter within Warren County and its surrounding areas. Her commitment to her work was underscored by her integrity and professionalism, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she encountered. Additionally, she served as a Notary Public and ventured into entrepreneurship with Graves Professional Cleaning Services and the Field House Lounge, further enriching the fabric of her community.

Mary's various careers were complemented by her diverse educational background. A proud graduate of Vicksburg High School's Class of 1975, she pursued knowledge and skills across multiple institutions, studying Business Administration at Utica Junior College, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Kuhn Memorial State Hospital, and enrolling in Practical Nursing at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. Her passion for beauty shone through her studies at Milady’s School of Cosmetology & Aesthetics, culminating in a fulfilling role as a Cosmetic and Fragrance Counter Manager at Dillard’s.

Her life was a canvas painted with kindness and laughter, one that resonated with the warmth of her spirit. Mary was a nurturing soul who took immense joy in dancing, playing basketball, cooking, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. Her infectious zest for life and boundless energy inspired all who knew her.

Mary leaves behind her loving legacy, cherished by her two sons, Walter Graves, Sr. of Atlanta, GA, and Robert (Stephanie) Graves, Sr. of Vicksburg, MS; and her daughter, Dominique Rogers of Vicksburg, MS. The beloved matriarch is also mourned by her eleven grandchildren: Robert Graves, Jr. of Dallas, TX, Walter Graves, Jr. of Memphis, TN, Shera White, Ke’Aira McCoy of Arlington, TX, and Dexter Parson, De Kalvin Banks, Devin Graves, Jordan Romes, Josiah Romes, Ke’Iris Taylor, and Raleigha Graves, all of Vicksburg, MS.

Her familial bonds extended warmly through her three brothers, Joel (Essie) Graves, Jr., Donald (Diane) Graves, Sr., and Eddie (Ruby) Graves, Sr.; three sisters, Eunice Graves of Vicksburg, MS, Janice Graves of Denton, TX, and Aniece Graves of Memphis, TN; as well as three godsons, Michael Davis, Harvey Gary, and Justin Bailey. Mary is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who carry her memory forward.

In her passing, Mary joins her parents, Joel Graves, Sr. and Bessie Mae Graves; two brothers, Johnny Ray Graves and Karl Graves; as well as cherished nephews, Karl Michael Singleton and Devin Marcell Moore, and her godson, Willie Cage.

Though the world feels quieter without the laughter and love of Mary Etta Graves, her spirit, marked by strength and compassion, will continue to illuminate the hearts of her family and community. The memories of her nurturing nature and unwavering support will echo eternally, inspiring others to tread the path of kindness and resilience that she so beautifully exemplified.

Visitation to celebrate her life will be held at C J Williams Mortuary Center in Vicksburg, MS, on October 11, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Her funeral service will take place on October 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Ardis Williams City Auditorium, Vicksburg, MS, where family and friends will gather to honor a woman whose life was a testament to the beauty of love, service, and community.