Dolores Graves

Sunrise July 8, 1929 Sunset April 15, 2020 Dolores Graves (Doe) was born on July 8,1929 in Washington D.C. to Vertina (Johnson) McConnell and later raised by her step-father, Gilbert McConnell. While a preschooler, her family relocated to Harlem, New York. She accepted Our Lord and Savior at an early age and dedicated her life to glorifying the Lord. Dolores grew up roller skating and doing the Lindy Hop. She attended The High School of Commerce in Manhattan, N.Y. After WWII ended, Dolores was introduced to Harry Floyd Graves Sr. by his cousin Kate Walker. They were married in 1946 and became the proud parents of eight children. Additionally, Dolores and Harry raised her younger brother, Gilbert McConnell, from the time he was nine years old. Dolores resided in Westfield, New Jersey since 1950. In 1963, they moved to Livingston Street after she and her husband built their all brick ranch style home to accommodate their large family. This loving home provided the opportunity to further her passion of cooking and hosting family parties and dinners. With enthusiasm for early education and so much experience with children, Dolores and her husband opened Lorey's Day Care Center. Which was not an easy feat for a minority owned female led business during that time. Lorey’s Day Care became a staple in the Westfield community for 39 years. She was a trendsetter, going back to school after having eight children and accomplishing her educational goals by receiving a Nursery School Certification from Kean College. Her preschool students excelled in the areas of education, sports, legal, hospitality, and other occupations. Her business created numerous job opportunities for people within the community. Dolores was in constant learning mode as she joined organizations such as The National Association for Education of Young Children (Kenyon Chapter Division) and the Nursery School Directors Association She was also affiliated with Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County, N.J. to make daycare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Education was important to the Graves family, all eight of her children and younger brother attended higher education. Dolores’ motto was “You Are Nothing Without An Education.” Dolores was an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church of Scotch Plains, N.J. for 72 years. She was recognized as a Mother of the church and has served in many capacities. She was a past President of the Deaconess Board, past Secretary of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher, the founder of the Scholarship Committee, and co-founder of the Junior Usher Board. One of her greatest joys was serving on the hospitality committee, in that role, she had the opportunity to welcome visitors, with her sparkling church attire which always included wearing a big stylish hat, as she demonstrated her unique poetic style. Dolores was a dedicated officer for the following church ministries: Missionary Society, Senior Usher Board, Scholarship and Outreach Ministries. She also served as Corresponding Secretary of the Baptist Deacon's Alliance of Central Jersey Inc. Dolores also enjoyed attending Bible Study at St. Luke’s AME Zion Church in Westfield and The Seniors Group at Saint John’s Baptist Church in Scotch Plains. She was a dedicated worker in the vineyard for her community. Dolores looked forward to Fridays to attend the Westfield Neighborhood Council Senior Gathering Group which was full of fun, delicious food and great people, while also serving the community. She was a premiere fundraiser, dating back to the 1950’s. Her community work included being an active member and participant of organizations such as the Westfield Martin Luther King Jr. Association, where she played a role in the MLK monument dedication. As a business woman, Dolores was an active member of the Union County Club Chapter of the National Association of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club. Her hardwork and commitment led her to become a recipient of their Business Women of the Year Award and the Sojourner Truth Award. On Sunday July 14, 2019, Dolores celebrated her 90th birthday. There were over 100 guests that attended this celebration at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Guests included family, church members, and community representatives including Westfield Mayor, Shelley Brindle who presented a wonderful Proclamation to honor the occasion. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 62 years, Harry Floyd Graves Sr. and her brother Gilbert McConnell. Dolores passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020 in the home that she and her husband built. Dolores leaves a large family to mourn her passing: Her children: Vertina Elizabeth Graves, Linda Lee Turner (Robert deceased), Harry Floyd Graves Jr. (Laura), Dr. Cordelia G. Harris, John Edward Graves, Lewis Charles Graves (Donetta), Anthony Bruce Graves (Orlette), Dolores Arlene Bynum (Anthony). Grandchildren: Gerald E. Schuman, Jr. (Regina), Rachel Talley (Stephen), Kevin Schuman, Rasheedah Stephens (Tobe), Allison Bracy (Jimmie), Sandi Logan (Robert deceased), Rasheed Hawks (Valeska), Harry Graves III, Leslie Turner, Robyn Watkins (Timothy), Brandon Dawkins (Johanna), Anton Bynum, and Andre Bynum. Great Grandchildren: Gerald Schuman III (Amber), Filomena Schuman, Isaiah Graves, Kendrick Bracy, Tyler Stephens, Miro Jones, Jaden Talley, Symone Graves, Yarriah Graves, Brielle Bracy, Alexandra Logan, Braylin Stephens, Ryan Hawks, Brandon Dawkins, Jr. Austin Bracy, Nicholas Logan, Ethan Hawks, Juliana Dawkins, Olivia Bracy, Audrey Dawkins, Nasir Alwyn Herrera, Zen Watkins and Aden Dawkins. Great Great Grandchildren: Jeremiah Range and Josephine Schuman Dolores leaves behind two sister in laws, Shirley Johnson and Hallet Marie Graves, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. The family thanks the stellar friends that have supported Dolores Graves in a wide-range of endeavors for many years! We thank you for your prayers and cards of comfort during this difficult time! She loved to go everywhere, and now that the gates of heaven are open her journey will continue. We will celebrate the life of Dolores Graves with a memorial service at a later date, details to be announced.