On October 28, 2022, Lula Pearl Graves, the rock of our family, joined the ancestors after 96 years on earthside. Lovingly known as "Madear" and "Jack," she was born October 16, 1926, to Odell and Esther Walton in Mineral Springs, AR. She attended school in Tollette, AR, where she played on the high school basketball team. She was the first of six children and from an early age had the immense responsibility of caring for her younger siblings.

In 1944, Lula and her then-husband, James Graves, moved to Hot Springs, AR, and raised their 4 children: Clara, James (Dick), Patricia, and Shelia. The Graves family were active community members through involvement in civic clubs, business, and church leadership. In addition to managing her own household, over seven decades Ms. Graves provided domestic services for many prominent local families.

In the 1960's, the Graves joined Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church of Hot Springs. Sister Graves became a pillar of Cottrell. She was a born-again Christian and devoted her life to Christ—especially through service in the church. She coordinated events, cooked countless meals, managed the kitchen, cleaned and decorated on weekends,  and faithfully paid her tithes. A favorite project was chairing the annual Women's Day celebration, which she spent weeks organizing each year. She was a stewardess, an usher, and a trustee. She was prayerful, studied her Bible, and truly loved her church family.

Outside of her maternal, work, and faith roles, Madear's personal interests included sewing, interior decorating, crafting floral arrangements, styling outfits and accessories, maintaining her garden (she mowed her own grass well into her 80's), phone calls/visits on the back porch, and feeding loved ones. Family gatherings at her house were loud and joyful. Her legendary peach cobbler was a staple at every event.

Lula Graves didn't believe in retirement. She was fiercely hard-working and independent until her health compelled her to slow down at age 91. Even then, it was her nature to think of others above herself. Madear cared for dozens of children throughout her lifetime, and her tough yet sincere love extended to all of them. Until the end, she stayed ready to offer help and guidance if ever needed.

Madear was predeceased by her brothers, Hayes Walton, and James Walton, a grandson, James Graves, a great-grandson, a niece, and nephews. She will forever live in the hearts and memories of her children, Clara (Garland) Puckett of Hot Springs, AR, James "Dick" Graves of Chicago, IL, Patricia Bailey (Stephen, predeceased) of Hot Springs, AR, Shelia Bishop of Dallas, TX and honorary daughter, Alvinetta "Punkin" Champion, of Rockford, IL; siblings, Katie Jordan, of Chicago, IL, Eloise Davis, of Rockford, IL, and Clyde Henry Walton of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Mishelle (William) Smart, Yvette (Donald) Cravins, Cassandra Houston, Monique Bailey DuVall, Michael (Tammara) DuVall, Sheletha (Wayde) Butler, Roy Williams, Christian Bishop and James, Jordan and Jacqueline Graves; 15 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The visitation will be Friday, November 4, 2022, from 5:00- 7:00 pm at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service 336 E. Grand Ave. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church in Hot Springs. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park in Hot Springs.

The guest registry is at http://www. carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.