Goldia Graves

Goldia Cecelia Graves
“Ceil”
Sunrise: January 29, 1941 Sunset: April, 22, 2016
Known by my names: Mom, Mom-Mom, Grandmom, Aunt Ceil, Ms. Ceil.
Ceil was born and raised in Knoxville, TN; the daughter of Velma Pauline and John Harvey Tharpe. She was the happy little sister of 6 siblings. She is preceded in death by her brothers: Charlie and Johnny, and her sisters: Pauline and Jean. She is survived by her brothers Danny Tharpe and Larry Tharpe. Her family moved to Baltimore in 1962. Ceil fondly remembered their home on Sergeant Street, where she and her sisters lovingly cared for their mother as her health declined. Like her own children, Ceil was very close to her mother.
Ceil was the devoted and beloved Wife of Joseph Francis Graves, and the Adored Mother of Six Children. From oldest to youngest are: [from her first marriage to Charlie Simmons] (preceded in death by) her Eldest daughter Cindy Barnett, and Son-in-law (the late) Tebby Barnet. She leaves to mourn: her son Stan Simmons and Daughter-in-Law Donna, daughter Teresa Campbell and Son-in-Law Tony (Anthony, Sr.). Sadly, Ceil lost two infants at 3 and 4 months: daughter April Darlene, and Charles “Chuckie” Simmons, Jr. from her first marriage. She has never forgotten this heartbreak. With her beloved husband Joe, she leaves to mourn: her daughter Kimberley Burry and Son-in-law Gerard, daughter Michelle Grunes and Son-in-Law Richard, and daughter Susan McCullough and Son-in-Law Shawn. Nine Grandchildren: Stephen Brookshire, Tiffany Barnett, Ashley Simmons, Tiffany Mohler, Anthony Campbell, Jr, Larry Fangman, Jr., Joseph Fangman, Amanda Adkins, and Amber Adkins, and 16 Great-Grandchildren. Her family also includes many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and countless friends that were like family - all of whom she loved dearly.
Ceil & Joe: A True Love Story. They were always “So Much In Love” as the song goes…
The story began back in 1963. Joe was sitting at the Piano at Danny’s house (Ceil’s brother) and saw her coming down the stairs. Joe immediately said “Who is that?!” Danny replied “that’s my little sister Ceil…” At that very moment, Joe fell in love. Joe and Danny were band mates and as young, working musicians – they played music together professionally for years. There could have been other ladies to catch Joe’s eye, but Ceil was The One. Ceil and Joe were married on July 26th of 1964, and started their family not long after with the birth of their first daughter in 1966. Joe was a local musician, and mom was a bartender for a while; but she was a full-time homemaker. Ceil always strived to keep their home nice, and was know by all the family and friends as the most amazing cook. Everyone wanted to spend Thanksgiving at our house – or any dinner Mom cooked up like Spaghetti, Meatloaf and her other delicious meals! We all looked forward to enjoying the feasts that she worked so tirelessly all day to prepare.
Mom loved life. She loved beautiful things. She loved fresh flowers, elegant clothing, fine jewelry, and especially shopping. Dad was happiest when he surprised her with things like this, and the way her eyes lit up when he gave them to her. She loved Music; especially Elvis!! She was a Huge Elvis Fan. Both her and Dad loved his music and had many memories set to the songs of Elvis Presley. Mom would sing and dance with us even to the loud, modern music that us kids played. She took us many times to see her friend Top Cat at his Record store on Pratt Street, to pick out our favorite
songs. Mom made sure we were happy. She helped us make costumes for Halloween and we had a little factory going when it came time to put up the Christmas Decorations. Dad would play the albums and help us put up the tree; and Mom would adorn every room of the house with beautiful Christmas decorations. She was an all-around fun mom. BUT - we knew who the boss was! Mom was feisty and strong, but her heart was like clay. She would do anything for anyone, give to those who needed, and always did everything she could to make everyone happy. Mom was truly a family woman and loved her entire family dearly. Mom and Dad worked very hard and provided a loving, protective home for their family. Mom always wanted to keep in touch with the children and grandchildren, just to know everyone was alright; or if anyone needed anything.
She was very proud of her family, and the adults all of her children became. Seeing any of her children struggle through hard times broke her hear, and she would do all she could to be there, or to offer any help. She was the sweetest shoulder to cry on if needed, an ear when you needed a friend or advice; and she always gave her time and most of all, her love to us all. She was especially proud of her husband Joe; the love of her life. She was proud of his talents, his hard work, and the way he loved and provided for the entire family. We are all so thankful and blessed for the wonderful things she’s done, all the love she’s given, all the smiles she’s given, and all the great memories we have to cherish forever. She loved to be called Mom; it was her greatest joy.
Ceil and Joe (Mom and Dad) celebrated their 50th Anniversary on July 27, 2014 where they were surprised with a wedding ceremony in which the renewed their vowels. Mom always wanted to do this. It was such a lovely day filled with laughter, friends and family. We are so grateful that so many of our family members and friends were able to share that time celebrating our parents together with us. We’ve never witnessed a love so strong and so true.
Ceil and Joe were always, were still, and will forever be ‘so much in love’…
For My Wife:
“Can't Help Falling In Love"
Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can't help falling in love with you. Shall I stay, would it be a sin? If I can't help falling in love with you. Like a river flows, surely to the sea; Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be. Take my hand; take my whole life, too For I can't help falling in love with you.
For Our Mother:
“The Watcher” She always leaned to watch for us Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate.
And though we mocked her tenderly Who had such foolish care, The long way home would seem more safe, Because she waited there.
Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget, And so I think that where she is She must be watching yet.
Waiting ‘til we come home to her Anxious if we are late Watching from Heaven’s window Leaning from Heaven’s gate.
You fed me well, you made me strong You taught me to know right from wrong You made me feel that I belong You showed me the value of a song
You gave me life, you gave me love
You always knew the way I feel You used the words you thought might heal You convinced me it was no big deal Your advice would keep it real
You gave me life, you gave me love
Broken hearts you liked to mend It was not in your nature to offend Birthday cards you'd always send You knew the value of family and friends
You give me life, you give me love
You left me now, you've gone away I'm left behind, I have to stay So I'll just have to pray I’ll meet you again another day
You always had that ‘special touch’ I loved you so very, very much
You gave me life, you gave me love Please watch over me from above.
“Ascension” – Colleen Corah Hitchcock
-And if I go, while you're still here... Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure --behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, --both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart, ...I will be there.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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. 3 And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may also be. Holy Bible
“The Comfort and Sweetness of Peace” – H Steiner Rice
Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.
After the clouds, the sunshine, after the winter, the spring, after the shower, the rainbow, for life is a changeable thing. After the night, the morning, bidding all darkness cease, after life's cares and sorrows, the comfort and sweetness of peace.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the many years of love and friendship you have shown over the years to Ceil, our beloved Mother. We thank you for your warmth, and for your thoughts and prayers of comfort.
May God Bless You,
Joseph Graves & Family

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the family owned and operated MCCULLY-POLYNIAK FUNERAL HOME, P.A. 3204 Mountain road PASADENA on Tuesday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. Where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1 PM. Interment Glen Haven Memorial Park Cemetery.