Mary Costeller Hooker Graves

Mary was born to the late Curtis and Leno Hooker on April 18, 1937. She was the youngest (the baby) of six children. Two brothers, Herbert and Otis Hooker, three sisters, Lucy & Doris Ellis and Otelia Harris preceded her in death. She attended Willow Brook School and the Richmond Technical Center. Mary also worked at the Bank of America as a Loan Officer for 6 years.

Mary was employed as a supervisor at the Louisa Manufacturing Company, Louisa County, VA for 27 plus years.  She was also employed by the Jouett Elementary School as a greeter for 8 years.

Mary accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour, and was baptized by the late P. H. West, and united with the Mt. Hope Baptist.  She loved singing & was a loyal member of the Mt. Hope Gospel Chorus & The James Edward Ensemble.  Mary was a loyal member to the Usher's Ministry for many years until her inability to stand for short or long periods of time due to back issues.

Mary was united in holy matrimony to Samuel L. Graves December 22, 1956 and to this union 1 son and one daughter were born. Mom demonstrated her unconditional love to her children as Christ loves the church.

Mary loved and adored her husband (her baby) to whom she was married to for 65 years.  She loved to cook & bake and everything was always amazingly delicious.  Just to name a few of her favorite past times she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Search Crossword Puzzles Books and playing games on her tablet. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd. On Sunday afternoon after attending church, and even doing the week, she and daddy faithfully watched Jimmy Swaggart and the Gaither Family hour. There was no question what Junnie and I would be watching while visiting with them. Junnie and I would just grin, smile, and chuckle at each other because we knew what TV shows would be on.

Surviving are her son, Samuel "Junnie" of Richmond, daughter, Cynthia (Frank) of Montpelier; one grandson, Mone'Shell; three great grandsons, Christian, Elijah and Kingston; one devoted niece, Patricia Ellis; five devoted nephews Curtis and Melvin Ellis, Wilbert, Otis, and Stacey Harris, along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, three devoted cousins Lillian Morris, Alma Mallory, and Della Nelson, relatives and friends, four devoted friends Lucille Pryor,  Bernadine Henson, Griffent Yancey, and Shirley Funn Graves.

Rev. Evelima Thurston & Hazel Coles, Della Nelson (Caregivers); Amedisys Hospice Nurses: Beverly & Joni Helton; Chaplain: Suzanne Leahy.

Love is the dawn of marriage, Marriage is the sunset of love

This love never failed, Because they became one in GOD