Funeral services for Mary Ellen Graves were conducted Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Bassfield Baptist Church.  Interment followed in the Graves Cemetery in Sumrall. Her pastor, Rev. Ken Roberts, officiated.  Mrs. Graves departed this life to live eternally with her Lord on Dec. 27, 2021, at her home in Sumrall.

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ellen Graves was born on October 2, 1933, in Collins to A.B. and Minnie Moss. She is retired from the University of Southern Mississippi where she worked as a cashier in the University Commons.   “Maw-Maw Graves”, as she was known to her grandchildren, loved her family very much.  She will be remembered as a “jokester”, loving to pull pranks and was affectionately called “Crazy Aunt Mary” by her nieces and nephews because she was so much fun to be around.  She has been described by those whose lives she touched as “such a sweet lady” and a “pleasure to be around”. Mary had a great passion for her flowers and a beautiful yard and was good at ‘supervising the help’ when it came to yard work. Known as a great cook, her macaroni and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs, along with her pecan pies were staples at family get togethers; every dish made with loving care.  Maw-Maw Graves also enjoyed passing the time with her colored pencils and coloring books, especially coloring beautiful birds.

Serving as Pallbearers are Todd Graves, Wesley Graves, Dustin Graves, Eric Graves, Marcus Graves, Chad Graves, and Tre Matherne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.B. and Minnie Moss, her husband James W. Graves, and her siblings, Harlan Moss, Charles “Chuck” Moss and Bobbie Nell Lovisa.

Mrs. Graves’ memory will live on through her sons, James H. Graves (Kaye) of Sumrall, Robert L. Graves (Pam) of Bassfield, Douglas E. Graves (Judy) of College Station, Texas; 1 daughter, Patricia Carter of Sumrall; one sister, Clara Frisard (Jules) of Slidell, Louisiana; 1 brother, Alex Moss (Sharon) of San Antonio, Texas.  Maw-Maw Graves will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Marcus and Chad Graves, Robin Peterson, Todd Graves, Tracy Brannon, Wesley Graves, Eric, Dustin and Haley Graves, Candace Sharp and Amanda Matherne; along with 21 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Bassfield Baptist Church.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.