Funeral services for Shirley Ann Dale Graves, 73, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Ninnekah with Mike McReynolds officiating.
Shirley Ann Dale Graves was born in Hobart, Oklahoma on February 2, 1939, to Lloyd Jasper Dale and Dorothy Mae (White) Dale. Heaven’s gates welcomed her home on July 22, 2012.
She began her formal education in Gotebo, Oklahoma, until the 7 th grade at which time her family moved to Chickasha. She graduated in 1957 from Chickasha High School.
Shirley and W.A. Graves were married on February 24, 1957. W.A. served in the Air Force for 24 years. The family moved while W.A. served. Shirley served her Lord as a witness, Sunday School teacher, VBS worker and prayer warrior wherever her family was stationed for over 60 years. She was always active in her local church family.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ninnekah for 32 years and active until her illness prevented her from physically serving her Lord. She loved to read magazines and children’s literature, but the Bible was her favorite book. W.A. read Scripture every morning to her for the past two years so she could hear God’s Word.
Shirley was a caring, supportive wife for 55 and ½ years. She was a loving, compassionate mother providing lifelong advice. Nana encouraged each grandchild with her godly instruction and example. Her great-grandchildren received consistent happy birthday wishes and colorful storytelling.
She was preceded in death by: both parents and one infant daughter.
Survivors include: husband, William A. ‘Bill’ Graves of the home; three children, Charlotte Renee Graves Townzen & husband Douglas of The Colony, TX; Gregory Dean Graves of Gould, CO; and Stacey Laine Graves Deal Hood & husband Dennie of Chickasha; eight grandchildren, Dionne & Hank Storm of Itasca, TX, Kaycie & Jeff Skinner of Kingfisher, David & Danyeil Townzen of Anchorage, AK, Bron Deal of Frisco, TX, Kristi Deal of Plano, TX, Denae & Josh Haney of Austin, TX, Kyle Graves of Gould, CO and Kiara Deal of Chickasha; five great-grandchildren, Jordan Farmer, Evan Farmer, Desiree Townzen, Rhyan Zimmerman and Milo Haney; sister, Beverly Jean Dale Richardson and family of Guthrie; step-dad, Victor Lee Wasson of Chickasha; and numerous extended family and countless life-long friends.
Interment will be in the Alex Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.