Elizabeth Graves

WILSON - Elizabeth Farmer (Betsy) Graves, 80, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at her home. She was born in Wilson, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Leslie James and Annie Royal Sikes Farmer of Wilson. She was married for 51 years to John Graves who preceded her in death. Betsy graduated from Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson. She attended Salem College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She worked as a medical technician in Boston, Mass., and then Durham, N.C., before marrying and returning to Wilson, where she raised her family. Her son, John Graves, Jr., preceded her in death. Survivors include three daughters, Leslie Ann Graves of Darien, Conn., Elizabeth Farmer "Beth" Graves of Alexandria, Va., and Jane Graves Hardesty of Atlanta, Ga.; and a son Loyd Wells Graves of Raleigh, N.C.; and nine grandchildren. She enjoyed being involved in a number of community efforts including serving on the board of the Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines, assisting for years in the First United Methodist Church Sunday nursery, volunteering at Greenfield School, being a "turtle walker" at Topsail Beach, and driving for Meals on Wheels. Beyond her love for her family, Betsy loved to play tennis. For her it was a lifelong sport. She also loved her many friendships in two bridge and two book clubs in Wilson. Betsy loved to travel. In particular she enjoyed trips to Russia, China, Tibet, Japan, Australia, and Europe. Betsy was a dedicated walker and newspaper "fairy" bringing papers to her neighbors' doors. Betsy also enjoyed painting and drawing all her life. She enjoyed trips to Topsail Beach with family and friends. Visitation with the family will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Memorial Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Wilson. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1423, Wilson, N.C. 27894 or to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 3012, Topsail Beach, N.C. 28445.