Kaitlyn Michelle Graves' Obituary
Kaitlyn Michelle Graves was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ on May 10, 2026. She was born into this world February 8, 2004 to her loving parents Shane and LaRonda Graves from Longview, Texas, who received their earthly blessing, their Little Blue-eyed Ginger. Although Kaiti’s mission and journey ended at the early age of 22, she made a big impact while here.
Kaitlyn had a truly compassionate heart to help the downtrodden and outcasts, whether that was a bullied classmate, a homeless person, or a stray animal.
She was not only kind but also talented, creative, and smart. Her God-given talents were in the areas of singing like an angel, dancing, acting, and drawing, which she had inherited from her Grandpa Lea. When she walked into a room, her infectious smile was a light as well as her combination of sweetness, sass, and good-humored silliness all done with on-point expression and inflection.
Kaiti was working in Houston and pursuing a career involving singing, dancing, and modeling. She had decided to continue her education as well.
Kaiti had performed in several Arts View and Theatre Longview productions such as “Annie”, “Ella Enchanted,” and “Beauty and the “Beast” to name a few.
She was not only our beautiful Blue-eyed Ginger, also known by her Grandma and Grandpa Lea as Kaitibug, but she was also very beautiful on the inside. She loved her family and friends and extended warm hugs that began 10 feet away with outstretched arms, and a little run with an expression of glee.
Although her time on Earth was short, we find comfort in knowing that the scripture tells us that …
“He shall cover you (Kaitlyn) with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”
(Psalms 91:4)
And God recompenses those who are His. Proverbs 11:21 declares that …
“Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished;
But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.”
And in closing, “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (Kaitlyn). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Kaityln is survived by her mother LaRonda Cantrell Graves Angelo of Longview, TX; father Shane Graves, Longview, TX; brother Andrew Cantrell of Bolingbrook, IL; sister Shanna Graves & husband Jesse Free of Huntsville, AL; sister Tiffany Graves & husband Judge Graves of Cincinnati, OH; sister Brittany Graves of Austin, TX; Uncle Randy Graves of Longview; cousins Trey Adams & wife Maggie of New Orleans, LA; Latricia Spyhalski; second cousin Kyra Spyhalski all of Kilgore, TX; Uncle and Aunt John & Traci Cotton of Austin; cousins Ben Cotton of Austin, and Makenzi Cotton, & her fiancé Simone Rachelson of Kyle, Texas, and special friend William Caldwell of Houston, TX.
Uncle Greg & Aunt Wendy Butler of Pittsburg, TX; Aunt Sharissa Barrett of Longview; Uncle Aaron Lea, Aunt Jennifer Cooley, and cousins: Jack, Jonas, & Lucas Lea all of Longmont, CO; Aunt Katie Berlet of Longmont, CO; Ashley & husband Jacob Gibbons; Tyler Barrett & Reigan Branderhorst of Waukee, Iowa, and Madison Barrett of Dallas, TX.
She is preceded in death by grandparents Jack & Sharon Lea; Kennith & Margaret Graves all of Longview; Aunt Sharon Graves (wife of Randy) of Longview. (Sharon had the same birthday and felt that when Kaitlyn was born, she had been given a special birthday present.) Uncle Todd Graves of Longview; Uncle David Barrett of Pittsburg, TX.
Pallbearers are as follows: Judge Graves, John Cotton, Ben Cotton, Jesse Free, Greg Butler, Jocelyn Faour, Joey Frechou, and William Caldwell. Honorary Pallbearer: Simone Rachelson
If preferred in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to One Love in Longview, Women’s Center of East Texas, or All Good Dogs Coalition made on Kaityln’s behalf.
What’s your fondest memory of Kaitlyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kaitlyn?
Share a story where Kaitlyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kaitlyn you’ll never forget.
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