Iva Graves

Iva Holland Graves, of Maybeury, WV answered the master’s call on April 14, 2011 surrounded by her family. Born May 1, 1929 in Maybeury WV, she was the daughter of the late Jess and Mary Woodson Holland. Iva was reared and educated in the McDowell County public school system of West Virginia. Iva Holland was united in holy matrimony to George H. Graves and from this union there were eight children. Iva was employed by the McDowell county school system where she influenced and shaped many young lives. She retired in 1995 with twenty eight years of service. Iva was a faithful member of her beloved Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church. She served as financial trustee. At various times she also served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, kitchen committee, or where ever help was needed. Iva was preceded in death by her husband George H. Graves, three brothers Walter, Frank & Nathaniel Holland; one sister Odessa Holland. Iva will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother she will be greatly missed by her family. To cherish her memory is: Five sons Scott and wife Jennifer of Bloomingdale, GA, James and wife Angel of Princeton WV, Dana Graves of Southfield, MI, Michael Graves of Maybeury, WV, Craig (Steve) and wife Marybeth of Lynbrook, NY. Three daughters Lorraine Graves Jackson of Maybeury, WV, Sharon (Ann) Miller and husband John of Brooklyn, NY, Claudia (Althea) Graves of Bluefield, WV. Twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. One brother Jess Holland of Pontiac, Michigan, two sisters Virginia Holland of New York, NY and Elizabeth Middleton and husband John of Bronx, NY. Other survivors’ include one Aunt Edith Woodson of the Bronx, NY, three sister-in-laws Emma Holland of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Ella Hairston of Maybeury, WV, and Christine Stone of Columbus, Ohio and a host of devoted nieces, nephews and church family. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 12:00 Noon at the Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church, 104 Park Street, Bluefield, with the Bishop Clarence Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery on Rt. 20 in Bluewell with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Friends may call prior to the services on Friday, from 10:30-12:00 at the church. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.