Willene Malone Graves

Dec. 5, 1934-June 16, 2021

Homegoing Celebration for Willene Graves will be held Saturday, June 19 at 12:00pm at Crestwood Chapel. Rev. Bill Lackey will officiate. Willene Malone Graves, of Gadsden, went to be with the Lord June 16, 2021. She is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Harold Dean Graves, parents Claude and Lora Henderson Malone, siblings, Edward, Jackie Hoyt, Marcell, Jimmy Charles, & Gordon Faye Malone, Irene Howell, Peggy Van Alphen and Yvonne Stanfield.

She is survived by her children, Maxine (Mark) Downing, Glenn (Jackie) Graves, honorary son Barry (Diane) Dykes, grandchildren Nicholas (Priscilla) Graves of Albertville, Victoria (JD) Jefferson of Gadsden, Chad McKenzie of Portland, OR, Joshua (Courtney) Bowling of Boaz, Jonas Bowling of Gulf Shores, Stephanie (Jacob) Smith of Pace, FL, Chelsie Downing of Salem, and Zack Downing of Madison, great grandchildren Brantley, Shelby Laken, Jaxson Bowling and Sawyer Graves, siblings Ray (Sylvia) Malone of Boaz, Barbara (John) Hawkins of Decatur and Larry (Peggy) Malone of Gadsden, sister in law Catherine Malone of Attalla, brother in law Donald Graves of Attalla and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Willene retired from Tyson in Gadsden in 1996. She was a member of New Union Holiness Church. She enjoyed visiting with family and church friends in her retirement. She was the best momma a person could have, a loving and devoted grandmother, a true servant, a prayer warrior, a proud baker, a caregiver for many, a generous friend in the good times and the bad times. She was a humble and jovial spirit, laughing easily and loving truly.

Pall bearers will be Joey Malone, Johnny Malone, Barry Dykes, Nicholas Graves, Chuck Reynolds and JD Jefferson. Special gratitude and appreciation to the entire staff of Oak Landing Memory Care and Ashley Chambers of Kindred Hospice whose love and care sustained Willene during her twilight. Family will receive visitors from 11:00 until the celebration at 12:00. Graveside will follow. Memorial donations may be made to Big Oak Ranch, bigoak.org.