Current Services for Graves Funeral Home

Major Bianca Wilkerson

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Alice Goodwyn

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Betty Patterson

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Betty A. Patterson was born December 2, 1941 in Suffolk, VA to Ruth Edwards and Alexander Parker. She dedicated many years of loyal service to Lake Taylor Hospital. She was a loving, kind generous woman. She was selfless and always more concerned with the well being of others. She was predeceased by her sons: Michael Edwards( Celestine), John Edwads (Sharon). She leaves to cherish one sister Ossie Lightfoot, 4 grandchildren: Michael Edwards Jr, Julian Edwards, Dupree Edwards, Dora Edwards, 10 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. On September 30, 2026 God called our loved one home to be at peace. She will be greatly missed.

Yvonne Whitmire

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

With profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Yvonne Elizabeth Whitmire, age 76, who entered eternal rest on September 30, 2026. Yvonne was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and was raised in the Lambert’s Point community. She was the beloved daughter of the late Jim Patterson and Odessa Mason. Yvonne devoted more than 30 years of her life to Norfolk Public Schools, serving as a paraprofessional and making a lasting impact on the students and families she encountered throughout her career. She retired in 2021 after decades of service, but the educator in her never truly retired. Her family could always count on her for thoughtful guidance, wisdom, and sound advice. Whenever someone called, Yvonne was there to listen, offer perspective, and provide the kind of counsel that came from a lifetime of experience, patience, and care. Yvonne also had a wonderful sense of style and a love for shopping, clothes, shoes, and interior design. She appreciated beautiful things and had a natural eye for creating spaces and choosing pieces that reflected her personality and taste. Above all else, Yvonne loved her family deeply. She was a devoted mother to Maki Harmon (Daphne) and Shelly Whitmire, and a proud and loving grandmother to Makira Harmon, Maki Harmon Jr., Makisia Harmon, Makise Harmon, and Kingston Whitmire. She adored each of her grandchildren and treasured the time, conversations, laughter, and memories she shared with them. Her love also extended to her beloved granddog, Royal, who held a very special place in her heart. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton (Jim) Patterson and Odessa Mason; her brother, Walter Patterson; and her sister, Sarita Booker. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Maki Harmon (Daphne) and Shelly Whitmire; her grandchildren, Makira Harmon, Maki Harmon Jr., Makisia Harmon, Makise Harmon, and Kingston Whitmire; her brother, Otis Kashif; her beloved granddog, Royal; and a host of extended family members, friends, former colleagues, students, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her presence. Yvonne will be remembered for her wisdom, her listening ear, her love of family, her sense of style, and the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved. Her voice, advice, and presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons she shared and the love she gave will continue to live on through her family for generations to come. We find comfort in knowing that her earthly journey has ended, but her spirit has returned home to God. Though we grieve because we can no longer see her, hear her voice, or pick up the phone to ask for her advice, we trust that she is now resting in peace and surrounded by God’s eternal love. Her life was a gift, her memory a blessing, and her love will remain with us always.

Nora Ricks

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Eve Harris

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Robert Woodhouse

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Frances White

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Frances Lee White was born on September 5, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Cordie Lee Clemons and George Nolan Obey. As an only child, Frances was raised in Norfolk, where she developed the faith, strength, and devotion to family that would guide her throughout her life. On September 26, 2026, at the age of 89, Frances peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a family and community forever touched by her presence. Frances spent her early years in Norfolk before later making her home in the Providence Square area of Chesapeake, Virginia. Throughout her life, she was a woman of strength, dignity, faith, and unmistakable presence. In her younger years, Frances was vocal, expressive, and never afraid to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew they would always hear her honest opinions. As she grew older, she became quieter and more reserved, but she never lost her wit or her ability to make her presence known. Whether she was speaking her mind or sitting among those she loved and offering a clever remark at just the right moment, Frances had a way of making people take notice. Her faith was an important part of who she was. Frances grew up attending Queen Street Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout the years. She served as a deaconess, sang in the choir, ushered, and worked with the young people’s ministry. Her ministry extended beyond the walls of the church, as she opened her home to neighborhood youth and welcomed them in for Bible study. She was loved, respected, and honored by many within her church community. In her later years, Frances attended Reaching the Nations Ministries – House of Triumph alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Even as her physical strength declined, her connection to prayer remained evident. Her family witnessed times when she appeared weak and weary, yet prayer often seemed to renew her spirit and give her strength. Her faith remained a meaningful part of her life until the end. Frances was also a hardworking woman. She dedicated approximately 25 years of service to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) as a bus driver before retiring. Through her work, she became part of the daily lives of countless people throughout Hampton Roads while demonstrating the independence, determination, and strength that characterized her life. Outside of work and church, Frances enjoyed traveling with friends, fashion, cooking, and spending time with those she loved. She took pride in her appearance and possessed a timeless sense of style. She especially enjoyed preparing food for her family, and no meal was quite complete for Frances without a piece of bread on the side. Family was at the center of Frances’s heart. More than simply having a family, she wanted her family to be together. Even when everyone was already close, she wanted them to be closer. She treasured gatherings, meaningful connections, and seeing the people she loved share life with one another. Her desire for unity became one of the defining expressions of her love. During her later years, while being lovingly cared for by her daughter, Frances also developed a special affection for Lola and Baby, the family’s dogs. They became her companions and brought an additional source of comfort and joy into her life. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Cordie Lee Clemons and George Nolan Obey, and her beloved sons, Raphael Phillip Jones and Robert Lee White Jr. Left to carry forward her memory and cherish the love she gave them are her children, Henry Raymond Jones Jr. and Francine Leola Hardy; her son-in-law, Wendell Hardy; her grandchildren, Rasheed Jones, Raymond Jones, Antonio Hardy, Christopher Hardy, Brandon Hardy, and Elisa Vandiver; as well as her great-grandchildren, extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives were blessed by knowing her. Frances Lee White leaves behind more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith, strength, beauty, service, prayer, and family. Her family will remember her unmistakable personality, the way she carried herself, the meals she prepared, the prayers that strengthened her, the church she faithfully served, the young people she welcomed into her home, the trips she enjoyed, the style she carried so naturally, her wit that remained with her through the years, and that ever-present piece of bread beside her plate. Most of all, they will remember her desire to see her family together. Though Frances is no longer physically seated among those she loved, what she valued continues through them. Every gathering, shared meal, prayer, act of service, and effort to keep the family connected carries forward something that mattered deeply to her. Her voice may have softened with the years, but her presence never did. Her life was full, her faith was steadfast, and her legacy will continue through the generations who lovingly called her Mom, Grandma Frances, BigMa, family, and friend.

Isabella Green

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

On June 28, 1940, in Roxobel, North Carolina, Isabella B. Green, affectionately known by many as Sister Green or Bell, began a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, service, and love. For 86 years, she touched countless lives and became the beloved matriarch of five generations. On September 18, 2026, Isabella peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at her family home, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Isabella was born to the late Eva Marie Cox and Edward Burden. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Lee Green Sr.; her sons, James E. Harris Sr. and Norman Harris; and her sister, Marie; her brothers, Moses, William, Charles, Thomas, Lester, James, and Joseph. A Woman of Faith Faith was not simply something Isabella spoke about - it was the foundation upon which she lived her life. She was a longtime devoted member and Mother of Mount Olive Word of Life UHC, under the leadership of the late Elder Josephine Williams. Over the years, she faithfully served as a member of the choir and hospitality committee and willingly stepped in wherever needed. She loved her church, the Word of God, and sharing the Lord's goodness with others. Anyone who knew Isabella knew that she never met a stranger. Whether you encountered her in person or answered one of her telephone calls, there was a good chance you would hear her familiar greeting: "Praise the Lord!" Those simple words reflected the faith that guided her throughout her life. Isabella extended her ministry beyond the walls of the church. For many years, she worked as a prayer counselor for Christian Broadcast Network, offering encouragement, prayer, and hope to others. She was also an active advocate and member of the Titustown Neighborhood Association, where she assisted with voting initiatives and activities benefiting seniors in the community. A Legacy of Love Above all else, Isabella loved her family. Her strength, wisdom, faith, and unconditional love became the foundation upon which generations of her family were built. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children, Deneise Burden, Yolanda Harris, Sheila Harris, Betty Porter (Lynn), Henry L. Green Jr. (Shelley), Rodney T. Green (Chrisetta), Cassandra Green, Phoebe L. Blount (James), and Timika M. Green. Her legacy continues through an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She also leaves special friends and caregivers, Diane Jones and Stacey Finney, whose care, friendship, and presence were deeply appreciated. Remembering Isabella Isabella found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved church, crossword puzzles, watching Walker, Texas Ranger, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy!, and spending time talking on the telephone with family and friends. And then there was her baking. Her family and friends will fondly remember the love that came from her kitchen, especially her famous sweet potato pies and cakes. But even during an ordinary conversation or while enjoying one of her favorite activities, Isabella could find an opportunity to tell someone about the goodness of God. She will be remembered as a woman of strength, unwavering faith, devotion, generosity, and extraordinary love. Although her earthly journey has ended, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, the love she gave, and the faith she demonstrated will continue to live through the five generations blessed to call her their own. Her voice may no longer greet us on the telephone, but in our hearts, we can still hear those familiar words: "Praise the Lord!" Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Her faith was her foundation. Her family was her heart. Her love was her legacy. And her legacy will live on for generations to come. In Loving Memory "Love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. To have been loved so deeply will give us some protection forever." - J. K. Rowling

Maggie Richardson

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT

On September 26, 2026, Maggie R. Richardson peacefully departed this life in Chesapeake, Virginia. Born on July 14, 1940, Maggie lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Maggie was born to the late Abram and Catherine Ricks. She was preceded in death by five siblings: Thelma Gainer of Trenton, New Jersey; Emma Riddick of Norfolk, Virginia; Annie Williams of Richmond, Virginia; Abram Ricks of Chesapeake, Virginia; and William Ricks of Portsmouth, Virginia. She leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Ruth Leveston of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Estella Shahid of Norfolk, Virginia. Maggie was the loving mother of four children: Audrey Collins (Bryan) of Chesapeake, Virginia; Robert Moseley, Jr. (Michelle) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Kimberly Abernathy (Oliver) of Portsmouth, Virginia; and John Richardson, Jr. (Latisha) of Suffolk, Virginia. Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and loved ones throughout Virginia, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. Maggie was a longtime and faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, under the leadership of Pastor William Freeman. Her church was much more than somewhere she attended on Sundays, it was an important part of her life and her service to God. Over the years, Maggie faithfully served in numerous capacities, including President of the Missionary Ministry, choir member, usher, and deaconess. If the church doors were open, you could almost always find Maggie in the Lord’s house. Her commitment to ministry extended beyond her home church. Maggie also served as President of the Norfolk Area Missionary Council, where she made it a priority to include young people in the council’s monthly meetings. She understood the importance of preparing the next generation to continue the work of faith and service. During a period when Maggie lived with her sister Ruth in Portsmouth, she participated in the Portsmouth Senior Program, where she proudly earned her GED. Professionally, Maggie was employed by Norfolk Public Schools, working as a cook in the central kitchen until her retirement. But Maggie’s greatest work could never be measured by a job title. She was a missionary at heart. If someone needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment, the bank, the grocery store, or church on Sunday, Maggie was there. If someone needed food, she fed them. If they needed clothing, she helped clothe them. The day or the hour did not matter when someone was in need. Her reason was simple, and those who knew Maggie heard her say it: “They need help. If I don’t help, who will?” To Maggie, helping others was not something she did for recognition or praise. She believed it was her Christian duty to help God’s people, and she lived that belief through her actions. Maggie leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, service, and love a legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, church family, and the countless lives she touched along the way.