Leilah Graves

LEILAH GRAVES Leilah Graves, 97, of Waco, died May 6, 2002. Graveside services will be 11:00am Wednesday May 8th at Waco Memorial Park with Rev. Don Vardeman officiating. Services under the direction of Wilkirson – Hatch – Bailey Chapel, 1124 Washington Ave. Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed from this life at a place she called home and knowing the love her friends and family had for her. She was an inspiration to those who saw her zest for life span almost a century. Her children grew up over four different decades and she adjusted to the ever-changing world without effort. She was especially encouraging to young people and often defended them as a generation when others did not. As a teenager her favorite horse was a black stallion only she could control. That spirit followed her throughout life. Leilah Calista Vosburg was born February 5, 1905 to Charles Felix and Mary Frances Vosburg on a farm near Penelope. She was the youngest of eight children. In 1925 she married John M. Graves and moved closer to and eventually into Hubbard. In 1947 she and her family moved to Waco. She remained independent and maintained a home until recently. Leilah was preceded in death by her husband John M. Graves, daughter Margia Ermis, sons Charles and Garland Graves, and all brothers and sisters. She is survived by a daughter Bobbie Wells and a son Johnny Graves, grandchildren Eddie Ermis, Frank Joe Ermis, Chuck Graves, Greg Graves, John D. Graves, Jr., Melinda Pacha, Donna Wells, Mike Wells and Rachel Wells and several great grandchildren. WILKIRSON – HATCH - BAILEY