Margaret Lou Graves' Obituary
Margaret Lou Holder Graves
November 1, 1935 – November 22, 2012
"Nanny" was our constant caregiver - generous, protective and involved. She loved her family, extended families and friends with all of her heart. So much of the good in our lives and within us stems from our beloved mother, Margaret Lou Holder Graves.
Margaret joined the love of her life, Kennith, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012; welcoming her home are her son, Kenneth Todd, and her parents, Reece and Marguerite Holder, all of whom predeceased her.
Margaret was born in Coolidge, Texas on November 1, 1935 although she insisted she was a Halloween baby all of her life!. She lived in California as a youngster and moved back to Mart, Texas in the mid-1940s. She graduated from Mart High School, and married her childhood sweetheart Kennith on March 2, 1953. She graduated with honors from business college in Waco, Texas and she steadfastly supported her husband and children in their educational endeavors at The University of Texas. In 1969, Margaret and Kennith moved from Waco to Longview to establish the family accounting firm, Kennith E. Graves & Associates, PC. She managed the office until shortly before her death. She could accomplish more with a single phone call than anyone ever. Margaret was a true adviser, who listened with her heart and an open mind.
She worked as an executive secretary to the President of Success Motivation International, Inc. in Waco and for the Texas Attorney General's office in Austin prior to her move to Longview.
Margaret was recognized as an outstanding Longview businesswoman, in recognition of her involvement in a number of ventures, both locally and in Texas. She was an avid supporter of and volunteer for Junior Achievement, and for many years sponsored a golf tournament in honor of Kennith, which provided scholarships for college bound students. She established a scholarship in honor of Todd as well that was awarded for many years following his passing.
Margaret loved flowers; she also provided financial support to the Highway 80 Mission, the House of Disciples, the Women's Center and Hope Haven. Please honor her memory in the way you feel is best.
Margaret is survived by her children: Shane & LaRonda Graves, Randy & Sharon Graves, and Traci & John Cotton; her grandchildren: Shanna Graves, Brittany Graves, Tiffany Graves, Andrew Cantrell, Kaitlyn Graves, Tricia & Mark Spyhalski, Trey & Maggie Adams, Makenzi Cotton, and Ben Cotton; and her great-grandchild Kyra Spyhalski. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Price, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand, and great-grandnieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to those who cared so well for Margaret during her last months: Candi, Sheila, Terri, Visiting Angels, Dr. Shen and Whispering Pines Lodge.
We love you Mom, Nanny, dearest one. Thank you for all you were and will be forever in our hearts. You have earned your wings now, fly high and above all, dance!
Visitation will be Sunday November 25 6-8 PM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Funeral Services will be held Monday November 26 at 10 AM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview followed by interment at 4 PM at the Mart Cemetery in Mart, Texas.
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