Joyce Graves

Cora Joyce Stallings Graves, 91, of Medina, TN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Joyce was born in Halls, TN. Graduated from Haywood County High School, then worked as she paid her own way through Union University, where she attained a BA in education. She began her teaching career in 1957 in Jefferson County, CO, just south of Denver, teaching third grade and, after a few years of teaching, changed profession by becoming a church secretary.

In 1962, met Clifton Reed Graves who was stationed at Lowry AFB in Aurora, CO. They were married on January 20, 1963. Their only son Russell Frank Graves was born October 28, 1963, seven weeks prior to Clifton Reed's discharge from the Air Force. She spent the next six years working to help Clifton Reed work his way through college. After his graduation, the family spent three years inAkron, OH, with Clifton Reed working at Goodyear and Joyce shoveling snow and raising Russell. In 1972 the family moved to Medina TN.

Concern over students with special needs being taught without dedicated attention in the same classroom as other students led to discussions with Medina's school principal, which resulted in Joyce renewing her teacher's certificate and teaching special education at Medina School for over 20 years until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of Medina First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, served as church librarian, participated in the Women's Missionary Union, worked Vacation Bible School, and supported the church's bereavement ministry. She spent her life active in both church and education.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 61 years, Clifton Reed Graves, her son Russell Frank Graves and his wife Beth, one grandson Roy Joseph Graves and his wife Abigail, along with three nephews and three nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Irene Stallings, a brother Frank Stallings Jr., and a sister Martha Jean Stallings Littlejohn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, April 12, 2024 in the chapel of Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Pool officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at Centerville Cemetery near Medina.  Visitation with the family will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4 P.M. till 7 P.M. and again on Friday from 10 A.M. till service time.