Rachel (Thompson) Graves

Rachel Thompson Graves, 83, of Kannapolis, peacefully passed away in her sleep, Friday morning, May 20, 2022, at Liberty Commons.

Born November 22, 1938, in Rowan County, she was a daughter of the late Coy Price and Odell Auton Thompson.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Billy R. Graves, sisters, Evelyn Reece and Shirley Donahue and a sister-in-law, Myrtle Thompson.

Mrs. Graves had worked as a dental assistant for more than 45 years in Concord. She was a devoted and passionate member of Royal Oaks UMC for more than 60 years, where she had been a United Methodist Women president, Girl Scout leader, choir member, church district treasurer, Sunday school teacher and volunteer guardian ad litem. Rachel was a wonderful Christian, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and a “Memaw” to everyone. She was an expert seamstress, loved her family and enjoyed reading and gardening.

Loving family members include her children, Tim Graves (Cathey), Debra Grindstaff (Mike) and Kathy Crosby (Tim); her brothers, Coy (Jean), Loyed, Wayne (Marian) and James (Paulette) Thompson; her grandchildren, Brett Crosby (Kim), Matthew Crosby (Natalie), Michelle Crosby (Ashleigh), Daniel Helms (Sarah), Michael and Christopher Helms (Erin), Alex, Anna, Rachel and Jonathan Graves; 8 great grandchildren and extended family members.

Funeral services to remember and celebrate the life of Mrs. Graves will begin at 2:00 pm Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Royal Oaks United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Chad Irons, pastor. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. The body will lie in state from 1:00-2:00 pm. Burial will be at 11:00 am Monday, May 23rd, at West Lawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Liberty Hospice for the great care, concern and love shown and given to Mrs. Graves and her family.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Graves’ name to Royal Oaks UMC, 1020 Kansas Street, Kannapolis, NC  28083.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.