Isiah Graves

Father Isiah Graves was 88, and departed this life Friday May 1, 2020 in Norfolk VA. He was the husband of Omellow Graves and the father of Doris L. Watson (deceased), Vicky Lawrence and Shirley Graves; grandfather of Cheree Gramby, Tashora Owens, and Cequera Graves. 

Public viewing will be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Friday May 8, 2020 beginning at 4:30 pm- 8:00 pm.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Saturday May 9, 2020 at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at the Old Neck Cemetery, Britton's Neck. 

~ The Obituary ~

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22: 37

On the evening of Friday, May 1, 2020, Isiah Graves, surrounded by loving family, exhaled his last earthly breath and peacefully transitioned to that Heavenly place that was prepared for him by his Lord and Savior.

Isiah was born on September 10, 1931 in Marion, South Carolina.  He was fourth of 11 children born from the union of Laston and Mary Graves.  He attended Briton Neck High School along with his siblings.  Isiah was also a member of Bethel AME Church in Gresham, SC.  

In February 1952, Isiah married the love of his life, Omellow Woodberry.  With aspirations of wanting a better life, he and his wonderful wife relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, to start a family.

Isiah worked more than 40 years as a Master Welder and Shipbuilder at NorshipCo presently referred to as BAE Systems.  Isiah was well known among his coworkers for his love of Cadillacs and Mustangs.  They gave him the nickname “Cadillac”, for which he was referred until this very day.  Isiah had a strong work ethic, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.  Isiah use to say, “don’t you miss no days of work.” At the end of his career, Isiah decided to retire and turn in his torch, to spend quality time with his family.

In his spare time, Isiah and his beautiful wife traveled back and forth to South Carolina visiting family and friends.  He enjoyed watching the news to make sure he stayed abreast of all current events. He also thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the front porch eating fried crabs and watermelon with his wife. Isiah had an eye for fashion and was known for his sense of style. He would often wear suits, along with his bling-bling watch and rings (two on each pinky ring).   Isiah loved spending time with his granddaughters. More importantly he loved sharing moments with his great-grandchildren.  He would wait for them to come over to his house after school, to share a Coca-Cola and hot chips. 

Isiah was preceded in death by his daughter Doris L. Watson, one sister and eight brothers.

Isiah leaves to cherish his beautiful memories his devoted wife, Omellow Graves; one sister, Mariah Moore (Roy) of Boston, MA; two daughters: Vicky Lawrence (Keith) and Shirley Graves of Norfolk, VA;  three grandchildren: Cheree Gramby (Cliff), Tashora Owens (Julius), Cequera”Ciara” Graves, and one extended granddaughter, Shawntell Miles, all of Norfolk, VA; six great-grandchildren: Dominique Graves of Norfolk, VA, Troyrell Battle of Greensboro, NC, Crystal McElroy of Daytona Beach, FL,  Janiah, Arianna and Zareya Owens all of Norfolk, VA; and one great-great grandson, Troy Battle, of Greensboro, NC.  Isiah also leaves behind several special relatives and friends.  

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