Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves

Pelham, NC - Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves, the first of nine children, was born on November 17, 1940, to the late James and Fannie Henderson of Caswell County, North Carolina.

She attended Caswell County Schools, formerly known as Caswell County Training School in Yanceyville, North Carolina. She furthered her education at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and French.

Mary began her career as a teacher in the Caswell County School System. After years of dedicated service, she pursued a master’s degree in School Counseling, transitioning to the role of elementary school counselor. In this capacity, she provided numerous students with guidance and direction, fostering the healthy development of Caswell County's youth. She retired after 40 years of committed service.

Mary was an active member of Red Hill Baptist Church from an early age, serving on various committees and auxiliaries including the Usher Board, Culinary Committee (Chairperson), Missionary Circle (President), Church Clerk, Original By-Law Committee, Vacation Bible School Director, Scholarship Committee, and the Cedar Grove Association. Her dedication continued until her health declined approximately two years ago.

Our Heavenly Father saw that she had grown tired and welcomed her into eternal rest. Late Saturday night on January 25, 2025, Mary completed her earthly journey and peacefully departed this life surrounded with loved ones by her side.

In addition to her church service, Mary actively participated in the community. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter 613 of Pelham, North Carolina, a proud and respected member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated “AKA.” She also served on the Caswell County Board of Elections and was a board member of both the Caswell County Community Center and the Caswell County Credit Union, a member of the local NAACP and The Silhouettes.

Mary enjoyed various hobbies, such as attending yard sales, reading, gardening, cooking homestyle meals, family gatherings, and traveling. She was known for her Brunswick stew, chicken salad, and poundcake. Though she had no grandchildren, she cherished her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She also adored her pet companions, "RJ" and "Boo-Boo."

Mary married the late Joshua Graves on January 30, 1965 and from this union, they had one daughter, Angela Deanna Graves. Mae, as she was affectionately called by family and close friends was a kindhearted, loving, and Godly woman, beloved by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, Mary was predeceased by her brothers Willie H. Henderson, James A. Henderson Jr., and John W. Henderson, all of Caswell County.

Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves leaves behind to cherish her precious memories to her daughter Angela Deanna Graves of the home; sisters Shirley H. Mitchell of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Deborah H. Paylor of Pelham, North Carolina; brothers Charles E. Henderson (Mary), Louis E. Henderson (Ocie), and Michael R. Henderson (Angela), all of Pelham, North Carolina; sisters-in-law Sharon G. Moses of Pelham, North Carolina, Annie G. Slade, and Odella Graves, both of Yanceyville, North Carolina; brother-in-law Thomas “Ted” Graves (Donna) of Greensboro, North Carolina; aunt by marriage Lossie Pearl Lea of Ruffin, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and many cherished friends.

A Public viewing for Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves will be on Friday, January 31, 2025; from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the John and Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home.

A Wake for Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves will be on Friday, January 31, 2025; from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Red Hill Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

Family visitation viewing for Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves will be on Saturday, February 01, 2025; from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Red Hill Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves will be conducted at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 01, 2025, at Red Hill Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

You are invited to attend services for Mrs. Mary Fannie Henderson Graves virtually by clicking on the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/fultonwaltonfuneralhome/live

Should Live Streaming not be available due to certain conditions resulting from rural location with little to no Broadband connection, no WIFI signal and or little to no cellular coverage, we will record the services of your loved one in its entirety and post a link where you will be able to partake in the services within 48 hours.

Interment will follow at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Pelham, NC.

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