Mattie Graves

Mattie was born June 27, 1921 in Waxahachie, Texas to Preston and Orvella Hutchison. She was their 9th child. She attended school in Pelham and Hubbard, Texas. She accepted Christ in 1936 under the leadership of the late Reverend S.A. Winfield.

Mattie was united in marriage to Robert Hopkins July 27, 1941 and Flora was born. Later, she married Leon Graves, March 17,1948 and five children were born, Leon, Ethlynn , Benny, Leroy, and a stillborn daughter. In addition, Mattie was a mother to Charles Hutchinson, Crystal Graves Oliver and Benny Graves Jr.

Mattie's dedication to her family was unwavering. She considered her children and 3 generations of grandchildren her greatest accomplishment, and the love she held for them was beyond measure.

Mattie passed on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 in Waco, Texas surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by 2 daughters, 2 sons, 2 grandsons, her parents, 3 sisters and 11 brothers.

She is remembered with love by her surviving daughter, Flora Estes, and son, Benny Graves and his wife Edwina, as well as an entire family tree of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Each one carries with them a piece of Mattie's legacy - a testament to her enduring spirit and love.

A visitation for Mattie will be held on August 4 from 5-7 pm at OakCrest Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 5 at 10 am at the same location, with Reverend Davy Wright and Reverend Carl Oliver sharing words of comfort.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed..." - Proverbs 31:28. Mattie's life was indeed a blessing, and she will forever be remembered as such. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

To Those I Love:

When I am gone, just release me, let me go - so I can move into my afterglow. You mustn't tie me down with your tears; let's be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must then let your grief be comforted with trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone I'll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome home.”

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our Memory Wall at https://www.oakcrestwaco.com/.