Obituary
Reverend Raymond Graves’ Favorite Song
“I DON’T KNOW ABOUT TOMORROW”
By Ira F. Stanphill
The Life and Legacy of Reverend Raymond Lee Graves
In the early morning, just before the break of day, Reverend Raymond Lee Graves, 82, answered the call of his Heavenly Father
on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. He was born on January 3, 1928 in Yanceyville, North Carolina to the late Malvin H.
Graves and Bertha Badget Graves.
I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sun-shine,
For its skies may turn to gray,
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
A man who valued education Reverend Graves graduated from Caswell County, North Carolina School System. Reverend
Graves attained a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was
called to serve his country in the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force. Upon his return he obtained a Master
of Arts in Education Administration at North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina. He would go on to teach at
Edwin A. Gibson School in Danville, Virginia.
Ev-‘ry step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Ev-‘ry burden’s getting lighter;
Ev’-ry cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shinning,
There no tear will dim the eye,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.
He obtained a Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Divinity at Phillip School of Theology, Colgate Rochester Divinity School in
Rochester, New York. Other studies included a Certificate for Executive Directors Opportunities Industrialization Center Professional
Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had additional Post Graduate Studies at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia,
University of Redlands in Redlands California and North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.
Reverend Graves was truly a man of faith and was ordained in 1959 by Bishop William Y. Bell. He served the Christian
Methodist Episcopal Church (CMEC) in many capacities as an indispensable leader in the CMEC. His pastoral experience
was extensive, having served as pastor of the following Christian Methodist Churches: St. James in Lawrenceville, VA, Miles
Chapel, Bethel Grove both in Lacrosse, VA, Mt. Sinai Church in Halifax, VA, Trinity in Griffin, GA, St. Paul in Milner, GA,
Macedonia in Allendale, South Carolina. He retired July 2005 after 42 years of service at New Bethel, Rochester, New York.
I don’t know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me,
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I’m covered with His blood.
In Rochester, he was the Director of Economic Opportunity Center, the Longest Serving President of the United Church
Ministry (25 years), Co-Founder of Civil Rights Organization FIGHT and FIGHTON FACTORY (Now Eltrex Industries),
Founder of Rochester/Monroe County Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc., Co-Founder of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Professorship Chair at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He served on the boards of Hillside Children's Center, Rochester
Council of Churches Housing Corporation and Action for A Better Community.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.
As a community organizer he helped spearhead numerous ministries such the Anti-Drug movement, the Father's Program,
the Job Placement program for the unemployed, an African History program, a Community Center. He also helped establish
ministries for the mentally ill, AIDS victims, drug addicts and street prostitutes. As an outspoken activist he provided counsel
for many community programs and civil action groups.
He was a recipient of the Colgate Rochester-Crozier Divinity School-Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the New York State Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, Urban League Award, Interdenominational Theological Center Distinguished
Alumnus Award and many other ecumenical, fraternal, local and state awards.
Reverend Raymond Graves’ Favorite Scripture
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Reverend Graves leaves to cherish and continue his legacy: his devoted wife of 57 years, Pauline H. Graves; two daughters
Valeria Graves (William, Lieutenant Colonel Retired) Sutton, Hinesville, GA and Reverend Janice W. King, Atlanta, GA; two
sons, Alexander (Pearl) Trotter, Rochester, NY, Paul Trotter, District Heights, MD; four grandchildren, Chanell (Ckori) Jones,
Clinton, MD, Laurie Trotter, Suitland, MD, Captain Sheron Sutton, U.S. Army, Kandahar, Afghanistan and Timothy Sutton,
Syracuse NY, four great-grandchildren Ckori Jones Jr., Taylor Jones, Payton Jones and London Savoy; a brother, Louis
(Mary) Graves, Oxford, NC; a sister, Margaret Hamilton, South Boston, VA; two sisters-in-law, Mary Woodard, Petersburg,
VA and Elizabeth Hamlett, Colonial Heights, VA ; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Psalm 31: 1-5
Order of Service
Reverend Weldon G. Thomas
New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Officiating
PRELUDE
SCRIPTURES
“Great Is Thou Faithfulness”
(2 MIN. LIMIT)
Alexander Trotter (Son)
Rochester, New York
New Bethel CME Mass Choir
Maxine Snoweden (Niece)
Washington, D.C.
Apostles’ Creed CME Hymnal
Timothy Raymond Sutton (Grandson)
Syracuse, New York
Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers, Pastor
Greater New Mount Mariah Baptist Church
Detroit, Michigan
Rev. Kevin A. Agee, Pastor
Hopps Memorial
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Syracuse, New York
CHURCH RESOLUTION
Rev Marilyn Cunningham
Associate Minister
New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
OBITUARY
Rev Weldon G. Thomas, Pastor
New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
Old Testament: Psalm 18:1-2
New Testament: John 14:1-6
Rev. Dr. Wayne Williams, Pastor
Cavalry Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Buffalo, New York
EXPRESSIONS
Mr. James Peterson, Member
New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
Silent Reading of the Life and Legacy of Reverend Raymond Lee Graves
SOLO
EULOGY
Rev. Fredrick D. Belcher, Presiding Elder
New York / New England District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Bridgeport, Connecticut
RECESSIONAL
Rev. Shirley Billups-Bell
President of United Church Ministry
Rochester, New York
Mrs. Nellie B. King
Former Missionary President
Christian Methodist Episcopal
New York / Washington Annual Conference
Buffalo, New York
MUSICAL SELECTION
Rev. Janice King (Daughter)
Atlanta, Georgia
Ministers and Family
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PRAYER
EXPRESSIONS FROM THE FAMILY
Church Choir
PROCESSIONAL
MUSICAL SELECTION
Order of Service
New Bethel CME Mass Choir
INTERMENT
“Better Than Blessed”
Mrs. Gloria Wilson, Member
New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
Presiding Prelate, Seventh Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Washington, DC
“When We All Get To Heaven”
White Haven Memorial Park
Pittsford, New York
(Please turn on lights and hazard lights when proceeding in the procession)
BENEDICTION
Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
The family extends the invitation for out of town guests
to partake in the repast before the family returns from the interment services.
All others can join the family after the interment services.
Cherished Moments
Loving Tributes
“To Our Dad”
Though your spirit shall forever remain among us, we will truly miss your presence. And even now--in your absence-it is difficult to express our deepest thoughts and feelings toward you, Dad, in words. But the memories of comforting
hugs, the holding of hands, the caring smiles, and the welcoming voice are the most precious gifts that you have given.
In our home you taught us to love one another; the love for God, the love for hard work, the love for everyone and a love
for serving God with passion.
Dad as a wonderful person you cared deeply for the well being of your friends and neighbors. You never put anyone before
your family and church. You loved Mom (Pauline), and all of us to include the, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
family, and extended family members beyond words.
You had a special love for all the Churches you shepherded, especially New Bethel CME.
Most importantly Dad you served God with all your heart and soul. Your dedication for the church and the work of the
Lord Jesus Christ was a beacon to all who knew you. You stood against the forces of injustice. You taught so many on
Eternal Love
this earth how to seek their eternal home through a consecrated life.
Dad your suffering is now over and you have finished the race. Thanks for being faithful until the end. We love you Dad.
And the Lord God said, It is not good that
the man should be alone;
I will make him a help meet for him.
- From the Children
Genesis 2:18
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me
at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4: 6-8
Acknowledgements
The Family of Reverend Raymond Lee Graves expresses heartfelt appreciation for all expression of love
and kindness extended to our family during the time of bereavement. Your prayers, calls, visits, and other
expression have helped to ease our sorrow. May God richly bless each of you.
The Officiant
Professional Services Entrusted to
Rev Weldon G. Thomas
Millard E. Latimer & Son
Funeral Directors, Inc
983 South Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, New York 14608
Honorary Pallbearers
Boy Scouts Leaders (New Bethel CME)
New Bethel CME Trustee Board (Members)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Flower Bearers
New Bethel
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Ushers
Active Pallbearers
Rudy Jones
David Peterson
Robert Lovelace
Johnny Kegler
Brain Gipson
Timothy Peterson
Program Design and Printing by
Business (585) 328-2680
Fax (585) 328-4677
Monique L. Latimer, Manager
Licensed Funeral Director
Interment
White Haven Memorial Park
210 Marsh Road
Pittsford, New York 14534
(585) 586-5250
www.whitehavenmemorial.com
315 Tenth Avenue N., Suite 93
Nashville, TN 37203
615-256-6707 ph • 615-256-6708 fx
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