Mrs. Wardell Elese Graves

Wardell E. Graves, 86, of Peoria, passed away peacefully at 4:10 a.m., Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Heartland Manorcare. Wardell was born July 14, 1926 in Bessemer, AL to Robert and Jessie (Howard) Townsend. She married George Graves, Sr. on August 8, 1947 in Galesburg, IL. He preceded her in death August 29, 1997. Also preceding her in death were her father, mother and stepfather, Ganzie and Jessie H. Banks; one daughter, Georgetta; and one sister (& brother-in-law), Roberta (William) Mack. Wardell is survived by three sons, Walter (Clemmie) and George, Jr. (Martha) Graves, both of Peoria, and Harold (Penny) Graves of Waterloo, IA, one daughter, Laraine (Elton) Bryson and stepdaughter, Hattie Rudd; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Wardell graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor’s (1975) and Masters Degree (1978) in Education. Postgraduate work was completed at University of Illinois, IL State, Northern and Western Universities. She also attended Fisk University, Meharry Medical College and IL Central College. She retired from District 150 in 1991 after 22 years of teaching at the Diagnostic Learning Center, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Garfield Schools. She was a life member of the following Organizations: Bradley Alumni Chapter, Phi Delta Kappa, Pi Lambda Theta, the Disabled Veterans Auxiliary, National Rifle Association, AARP, Retired Teachers Association and the NAACP. She was a longtime member of the Fisk University Alumni Club, the Tri-County Urban League Guild, the National Association of University Women and St. Joseph’s Church (formerly St. Martin de Porres Church) where she served in the Altar & Rosary Society and Cursillo in Christianity Family #1. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Father Terry Cassidy will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, August 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ward Chapel AME Church and one hour before services on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum. Simons Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-County Urban League at 317 S. MacArthur Hwy., Peoria, IL 61605 or Ward Chapel AME Church, 511 Richard Allen Drive, Peoria, IL 61605.

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Mrs. Wardell Elese Graves

July 14, 1926 - August 18, 2012