Mary Emma Graves, age 84, of Clinton, MI, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. She was born on January 8, 1941, in Loogootee, IN, the daughter of the late Cletus Shelby and Nina Betty (Harding) Bridgewater. On May 28, 1960, she was joined in marriage to Phillip James Graves at the West Wayne Freewill Baptist church in Wayne, MI, and they enjoyed nearly sixty-five years together.
After graduating from high school, Mary dedicated herself wholeheartedly to creating a warm and loving home, where she found deep joy in caring for her family and spending quality time with them. She also cherished the time she spent with their many good friends, building lasting relationships rooted in love and faith. Mary was a faithful servant of the Lord, actively involved in many ministries throughout her life. As a long-time member of Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church, she especially loved to sing—particularly with her beloved husband, Phil. The two of them often shared their voices together in worship and at various events. Mary was also gifted in arts and crafts, with a particular talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements.
In addition to her husband, Phillip, Mary is survived by her four children, Vonda Graves of Brooklyn, MI, Maronda (Michael) Cordts of Goldsboro, NC, Phillip (Denise) Graves of Ann Arbor, MI, and Cheryl (Gregg) Sanders of Willis, MI; a son-in-law Jonathan; her sister, Anna Deneau of Adrian, MI; her ten grandchildren, Justin, Andrew, Glen, Kurtis, Matthew, Laureen, Trevor, Brandon, Tyler, and Trent; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Darla Bean; her sister, Helen McDermott; and her brother, Carl Lee Bridgewater.
A funeral service for Mary will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes, with Pastor Brian Jones officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm and also at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 pm until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens in Tecumseh, MI.