Rev. Maeola Shaw Graves

Rev. Maeola Shaw Graves was 72, and departed this life on Thursday July 16, 2020 in Florence County. She was the mother of Angela Felder, Kim Richardson and Lisa Maxime.

Graveside services are scheduled to be held at the Friendship AME Church Cemetery 7112 Highway 9 in Gresham, SC on Saturday July 25, 2020 a 11:00 am. with interment at the Friendship AME Church Cemetery. Funeral services will be live stream on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page. The family will provide a guest list of 50 or less people. 

Family is receiving friends at 1731 Bear Pond Road, Gresham, SC 29546. 

A Journey Begins…

“May the work I’ve done speak for me. May the service I give speak for me. I expect to pass through this world but once; therefore any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show to anyone, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”

In the early hours of the morning, when we all were asleep, when no one could hold her or no one could pull on her, Rev. Mae Ola Shaw Graves caught her captain’s eye, got her white robe, got her wings and took flight at 4:30am on July 16, 2020. Mae Ola was the 2nd child of the late Melvin, Sr. and Rosa Shaw born on August 3rd 1947.

She received her education in the public schools of Marion County. She was employed at Sara Lee Hosiery until they closed, then she was employed at Westgate Resort where she retired after 21 years.

Rev. Mae Ola received Christ at an early age. She was a member of the Friendship A.M.E. Church where she served as the assistant pastor. 

Rev. Mae Ola was married to Archie Lee Graves of Florence, SC. She leaves to cherish precious memories three daughters: Angela (Michael) Felder of Columbia, SC, Lisa Maxime of Woodstock, GA and Kimberly (Terrence)Richardson of Raleigh, NC; two step-sons: Jerome Graves of NY and Curtis (Dana) Graves of VA; seven grandchildren that she cherished with all her heart: Sgt. Brandon Felder of Korea, Malaysia and Sanayyia Felder of Columbia, SC, Jayda, Jamir and Jamari of Woodstock, GA and Bri’Asia Graves of Raleigh, NC; three brothers: George Shaw and Thomas Shaw both of Gresham, SC and Melvin Jr. (Patricia) Shaw of Brunswick, GA; five sisters: Miss Moe, Mary Emanuel, Mildred Shaw, Marilyn Shaw and Melissa Pendergrass all of Gresham, SC; two half-sisters: Lottie Marsh of Greensboro, NC and Janie Davis of GA; a cousin as near as a sister: Mary Felder of Mary Felder of Marion, SC; a special niece: Apostle Maxine Cooper and special nephew Douglas Emanuel, Jr. and three special cousins: Bernard Felder, Leonard Felder and Tina Felder; one uncle: Deacon George Parker, Jr. of Conway, SC and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives whom she loved dearly.

The family of Rev. Mae Ola Shaw Graves, in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Graves family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

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