Myrtle Gerald was born to the Late John Allen Gerald & the Late Cora Lee Mishoe Gerald of Mullins, South Carolina. She graduated from Finklea High School in 1963 as Class Secretary.

 

She gave her life to Christ at an early age. Baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost under the Leadership of Rev. Johnson at High Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Horry County. 

 

She later met and married John Quincy Graves on March 14, 1967 in Dillon, South Carolina. To this union, two children were born, Bruce Graves (who preceded her in death) and Eric Graves.

 

Myrtle studied Biology & Chemistry at Allen University earning her Bachelors degree in Education. During this time, she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She taught chemistry at Bethel High School until later moving to Miami, Florida in 1967. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Barry University and her Masters in Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. She later worked and retired from Glades Middle School after 31 years of teaching.

 

Mrs. Graves had a very humble and meek personality. She was a woman of a few words. But when she spoke, she did so with grace and poise. She always carried herself as a Virtuous Women. She exemplified Character, Integrity and Authenticity. 

 

After moving to Miami, she joined Salem Baptist Church in 1975 under the leadership of Rev. Alphonzo Mozell. In December 2006, Mrs. Graves was ordained as a “Reverend” at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

 

Despite her failing health, her faith never wavered. On April 10, 2023, our Heavenly Father called Rev. Myrtle Graves and she answered. Well done thy Good and Faithful Servant. Well done.

She leaves to mourn: her loving & devoted husband of 56 years- Rev. John Q. Graves; Children- Bruce (Deceased), Eric Sr. (Sabrina), Ricky Sr and Valentina (Tywan); Brother- John Gerald Jr. (Jeanetta); In Laws- Lillie Mae Thomas (Deceased), Lloyd Graves (Deceased), McCoy Graves (Deceased), Dorothy Brunson, Hattie Ruth Riddick, Lizzie Jenkins and Pearlie Graves Jr. (Deceased); Grandchildren- Jakari, Acura, Eric Jr., Samiah, Asyia, Delores, Malcolm, Parris, Jonnique, Ricky Jr. and Kwandra; Great Grands- Jayce and Jasper; Nieces- Wilma Jean, Cynthia, Valerie, Cheryl, Karen and Sonya; Nephews- Keith and Wayne; Godchildren: Gladys, Nana, Herman, Katie, Quesha, Latoya, Caneema, Mariah and Treana; Her Salem Baptist Church Family and a multitude of other sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.