Mother Sarah Lee Graves

Mother Sarah was born on December 18, 1930, in Russellville, AL to John Elis Tucker and Annabelle M. Tucker. After the passing of her parents, Sarah was raised by her Aunt Beecher. Sarah graduated from Reedtown High School on May 12, 1949. Mother Sarah departed this life on January 31, 2025. Mother Sarah was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around her with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

After graduation, Sarah moved to Akron, OH with family. She worked at a factory before leaving Akron and moving to Indianapolis, IN. where she met her husband, Robert Lee Graves Sr. Robert and Sarah were united in Holy Matrimony on August 21, 1954. Upon moving to Indianapolis, she worked as a housekeeper for a very prominent Lawyer, she would always talk about riding that city bus back and forth every day to/from Greenwood, IN. She later opened a daycare within her home where she not only babysat her grandchildren but most of the children in the neighborhood. Sarah Lee will always be remembered as Mother Graves, rather within or outside of the church building.

Mother Sarah accepted Christ in 1959 at the age of 21 and remained faithful in serving her Savior. Sarah’s life’s mission was to serve her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and teach all those around to know the power of prayer. Mother’s 1st church she joined was with Church of First Born Saints under Eld. Barksdale, then Bishop Preston Daniels. Where she started her ministry as a Sunday school teacher. She then joined with Bread of Life C.O.G.I.C. under Elder James E. Sullen. She loved and followed who she would call her son, Elder Ray Robinson. Mother Graves received her Evangelist License on September 22,1995. She was appointed as a District Missionary on March 22,1999 and served as District Missionary of the Historic 1st Calvary District under Preceding Supt. Wayne Glenn. She served for many years as the District Missionary of Calvary District. After her remarkable work, she was Emeritized and served thereafter under Supt. Ortney R. Edwards Sr. as the mother of the church.

Mother Graves ended her earthly sacred service at St. Timothy C.O.G.I.C. She was a faithful, committed, and dedicated servant of God. While serving she traveled with saints to the conventions, Holy convocations, AIM, and Women’s conventions. She ministered at prisons and nursing homes. The saints would remember her bounce in her walk, her impeccable sense of style and always dressed in elegance.

Sarah not only loved her church family, she loved her family. Sarah opened her door to everyone and prayed for all. She spent a lot of her time with her grandchildren. Those who did not live in the home with her knew to bring church clothes, you were definitely going to church Sunday morning. She was a prayer warrior and taught her children, grandchildren, great and great-grandchildren to pray and know the Lord.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Graves Sr.; brother, John Henry Tucker Jr.; sisters: Mattie Sue Logan, Betty Smith, and Georgia “Ruth” Clopton; daughter, Deborah Ann Graves; special daughter, Jacqueline R. Graves; stepchildren, Donella Jennings and Tim Graves Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Paula Elaine “Lainey” Graves Jordan; son, Robert Lee Graves Jr. (Darlene); a host of grandchildren great and great-great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and nephews.