Joyce Ann Graves of Omaha

Joyce Ann Graves, 86, of Omaha, passed away peacefully at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, with loving family at her side.

Joyce was born Oct. 15, 1931 in Shawneetown to William Edgar "Woody" and Nellie Ann (Harris) Talbott.

She was married to John William "JW" Graves on June 22, 1949. JW preceded her in death on July 21, 2013.

Joyce was a gifted homemaker who loved taking care of her husband, three sons and her grandchildren. She was very knowledgeable about antiques and eventually opened her own antique shop in Omaha that she operated for several years.

After closing her shop, Joyce worked at Edwards Funeral Chapel.

In more recent years she enjoyed writing about her life and the southern Illinois area that she loved so much, including an article about her son's trials and triumphs over polio that was published in Springhouse magazine.

She was a member of the Omaha Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, and also attended Omaha Baptist, Cottonwood Presbyterian and Norris City Methodist churches.

In addition to church activities, Joyce was an active member in many organizations, including the Women's Home Extension, the Promote Omaha Group and the Friendship Club.

She had a God-given love for people that was effortless and led to countless lifelong friendships. She talked to everyone she met like they were old friends, and usually that was exactly what they would become.

Joyce is survived by her three sons and her daughter-in-law, Gary Graves of Champaign, John Graves of Greenup, and Kevin (Dale Ann) Graves of Monticello.

Her cherished grandchildren are: Sgt. David Talbott Graves of Hurlburt Air Force Base, Florida; Julie and Ian Oberg of Denver, Colorado; LaDawn and Scott Avis of Roanoke, Virginia; Kaley Graves of Riverton; and Colin Graves of Hermitage, Tennessee.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her dearly-loved brother and sister and in-laws, William M. and Jo Talbott and Gloria Jean "Donna" and Harry Gross, all of the Phoenix area.

Visitation for Joyce was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Omaha.

The funeral was held at noon Monday, Sept. 10 with the Rev. Mike Fields officiating. Burial was in the Bethlehem Cemetery near Omaha.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethlehem Cemetery.