Rosa Nell Graves

Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven Rosa Nell Graves, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 25, 2025, at her home in Hernando, MS. A visitation will be held Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a celebration of life following at 2:00 p.m., all at Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven (626 Star Landing Road East, Southaven, MS 38672). Interment will follow at DeSoto Memorial Gardens. Coleman Funeral Home of Southaven is in charge of arrangements. Rosa Nell loved Jesus above all and accepted Christ at a young age—an early faith that shaped every part of her life. She was an active and devoted member of Colonial Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, where she joyfully served in the singles ministry, youth ministry, and on the pastor search committee. Her service to the church was an overflow of the kindness and compassion she showed to everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger and carried a warm sense of humor that made people feel at home in her presence. Born with a gentle heart and a generous spirit, Rosa Nell was a wonderful cook, a gifted gardener of flowers and vegetables, and a woman who treated every person with dignity and grace. She especially loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing made her happier than having her family close. At just 16 years old, Rosa Nell met the love of her life, John Henry Graves, on a basketball court—a chance meeting that blossomed into a lifelong love story. They became high school sweethearts and went on to share 74 years of marriage filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Rosa Nell is survived by her husband of 74 years, John Henry Graves of Hernando; her two sons, Johnny Dale (Donna) Graves and Christopher Douglas (Frankie) Graves; her daughter, Theresa Gayle (Tony) Smith; her four grandsons, Jeremy (Keri) Graves, Ross (Lauren) Smith, Jake (Jessica) Graves, and Thomas Graves; her granddaughter, Brittany (Andrew) Smith; her four great-granddaughters, Gracyn Hare, Emma Graves, Allie Graves, and Maddie Graves; her two great-grandsons, Cole Graves and Archie Smith; and many beloved friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton Thomas and Madge Booker; her three siblings, Alton Nix, Billy Nix, and Verdell Hughey; and her grandson, Johnathan Graves. Rosa Nell was a remarkable woman—faithful, joyful, kind, and deeply loved. Her legacy of love, service, and Christ-centered living will continue in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Mrs. Graves (stjude.org). Expressions of condolences may be shared on her Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomesh.com.

Rosa Nell Graves

November 21, 1934 - November 25, 2025

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