Virginia Graves

Virginia James Graves, 87, of Spartanburg, SC, died Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation, Flat Rock, NC. Born September 19, 1928 in Marion County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Edward and Elizabeth Port James. She was the widow of the Rev. Dr. Charles A. Graves. Mrs. Graves was a graduate of Centenary High School and Coker College. On June 16, 1950, she married Dr. Graves and for the next 38 years, she lived in the towns where he served as a United Methodist pastor. These included Pinopolis, Cottageville, Saluda, Greenville, Charleston, Lancaster, Spartanburg, and Georgetown. Mrs. Graves taught school for a few years in the towns in which they lived, but most of her time was spent in assisting her husband in the churches. She was active in the United Methodist Women and was made a Life Member several times. She taught Sunday School in several churches and many people referred to her as "the epitome of what a pastor's wife should be." Soft spoken and an excellent leader, she knew how to get things done and did. After they moved back to Spartanburg in 1988, she was active in the Altar Guild at Bethel, and taught the Cheitzberg-Lydian-Lanham Class. She was a member of the Loyalty Class, and did much work in Bethel's library. Survivors include daughters, Becky Parkins (Bill DesRochers) of Crozet, VA, and Caryl Jones (Chris) of Hendersonville, NC; grandsons, Sam Parkins (Sara) of Crozet, VA, Andrew Parkins (Bridget) of Salem, VA, Jacob Jones of Hendersonville, NC, and Cory Jones of Hendersonville, NC; great-grandchildren, Jack, Carter, and Augie Parkins of Crozet, VA, Mara, Cate and Nell Parkins of Salem, VA; and a number of dear nieces and nephews in the Low Country of SC. She was also predeceased by a grandson, Collin A. Jones; three sisters; and two brothers. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Friday, August 26, 2016, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307, by the Rev. David E. Nichols. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or a charity of one's choice. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Virginia James Graves please visit our Sympathy Store.