Celeste Graves

Celeste Graves, born Celeste Gayle on August 30, 1919, in Magnolia, TX, passed away on June 28, 2023, in Magnolia, TX. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Celeste was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Celeste loved her family with a passion and always enjoyed the times they could all be together. She cherished visits from friends and relatives, and her door was always open, as she often said, "The coffee pot is always on!" Her warm and welcoming nature touched the lives of many. She is survived by her daughter, Tarvah McGinty, and husband, Ginty; daughter-in-law, Cinda Graves; grandchildren, Shelley LeBlanc and husband JoDe, Ty McGinty, and Trisha Thomas and husband Brock; and great-grandchildren, Cody LeBlanc, Ryan Thomas, and Zack Thomas. Celeste was preceded in death by her husband, James W. "Dub" Graves, Jr.; son, James W. "Jimmy" Graves III; grandson, James W. "Little Dub" Graves IV; parents, William Julius "Jule" Gayle and Emilie Baudat; and brothers Milton and Dalton Gayle. Celeste attended Magnolia High School in Magnolia, TX, and furthered her education at Lon Morris Junior College in Jacksonville, TX, and Draughan's Business College in Houston, TX. She had a successful career that spanned several fields. Celeste worked for Culpepper Realty when they received the contract to train women in the Army Air Force Woman's Flight Training Division - the 319th AAFWFTD - as a dispatcher and recorder of their flying time. She also worked for Grogan Cochran Lumber Company for several years. In 1952, she began working for Magnolia ISD as the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. She also taught shorthand for 17 years and retired in 1985. Even after retirement, Celeste continued to contribute to the education field by working two days a week in the building that was named after her, the Celeste G. Graves Education Support Center. She finally retired at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work. Celeste was a member of First Baptist Church of Magnolia, later renamed Magnolia's First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years. She drove herself to church every Sunday until she was 99. Her faith was an important part of her life, providing her with strength and guidance. In her free time, Celeste had two main hobbies. She began collecting elephants as a child and had amassed over 1200 elephants at the time of her passing. She was also an avid genealogist, delving into her family history and preserving it for future generations. Visitation for Celeste Graves will be held at Magnolia Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 5, from 5-8 pm. A funeral service will take place at Magnolia's First Baptist Church on Thursday, July 6, at 10:30 am. A private burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery, where Celeste will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Celeste's memory to the Magnolia Historical Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children. These organizations held special meaning for Celeste, and your support would be greatly appreciated. Celeste Graves will be remembered for her kind and nurturing spirit, her dedication to her family and community, and her unwavering faith. May her soul rest in eternal peace. The condolences of the Addison family and staff are with her family and friends.