Rosie Lee GravesClintonMrs. Rosie Lee Palmer Graves was born on Sunday, November 20, 1932, in Clinton, Mississippi to Sam and Maggie Palmer. Rosie attended and excelled at Wells Grove School, Sumner Hill School, Holy Ghost Catholic School, and graduated from Hinds Agricultural High School in Utica, MS. Although she received an academic scholarship to attend Tuskegee Institute, she chose to stay home to help with an ailing parent.She confessed her belief in Christ and was baptized at Wells Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Clinton. Mother Graves was a member of the Wells Grove Church Missionary Society for 65 years, and was recently honored as Mother of the Year by her church family for being the longest serving Mother…having been on the Mother's Board for 57 years. Additionally, she sang in the Inspirational Choir. She and her brother Edgar were known throughout the community for their melodious duets.In February of 1953 Rosie married her sweetheart, James Graves, and they were blessed with six children. While Rosie spent most of her early life doing the tremendous task of making a loving home for her husband and six children (and dozens of other children who found their way to her yard, living room, and kitchen), she also spent time developing lives as a part time substitute teacher in Hinds County Schools and as a custodial worker in Jackson Public Schools. Being a Pastor's wife for many years, Mother Graves set an excellent example of a helpmate to a pastor with her willing spirit, compassion and diligent service. Her community service has included volunteering in the schools her children attended, working with neighborhood summer feeding programs and serving as Treasurer of the C.A. Williams Federated Women's Club in Clinton, a position she held for the past 22 years. She was a member of the Club for the past 45 years and was honored in 2011 as the Woman of the Year for her district. Her family received the Family of the Year Award from the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs.On Sunday, October 16, 2016, our beloved Mother Rosie Graves was called home to rest. Mother Graves leaves to cherish her beautiful life and memory her devoted husband, Rev. James Graves, Sr.; six children - James Graves, Jr. (Bettye), Betty Spencer (Eddie), Ken Graves (V.J.), Darryl Graves, Nelda Thomas and Angela Graves; and her sister, Shirley Palmer Buckley. She also leaves 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces; nephews and cousins. Visitation is Friday, October 21st, 1 pm to 7 pm at People's Funeral Home, 886 Farish Street, Jackson, with family hour 6 pm until 7 pm. Services will be held Saturday, October 22nd 1:00 pm at Holy Ghost M.B. Church in Clinton, MS.