Mrs. Hattie Ruth Darden Graves was born March 28, 1941 in Chambers County, Alabama. She was the 14th child born to the late Bob Henry and Session Bailey Darden. On July 19, 2016, the death angel entered her residence and took her home to be with the Lord.

Hattie confessed Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church, Lanett, AL, under the pastorage of the late Rev.C.C. Cloud.

She was a member of the 1960 graduating class of Rehobeth High School. After high school, Hattie moved to New York, where she met her loving and devoted husband, James “Jimmy” Graves,who preceded her in death.

During her stay in New York, she was employed with Jacobie Hospital where she remained until her retirement. After retirement, Hattie relocated back home and joined the St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Walter L. Darden. Hattie sang in the choir and attended Sunday School each Sunday. She remained a faithful member until her death.

 

She was preceded in death by four sisters, Pearlie Mae Darden, Mae Fannie McNeely,

Thelma Herriott, and Louise Williams; five brothers, Robert Darden, Bob Henry Darden, Jr., Morris Darden, Charlie Darden, and Waymond Darden.

She leaves to cherish her memories, three children that she reared as her own, James, (Jr.)(Myra Steele), Larry Graves, New York, NY and Sharon Collier, Providence, RI; 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred( Aubrey) Cumberlander and Emma(Donald)Hutson, Atlanta, GA; three brothers, James Darden, New York, New York, Rev. Walter(Catheryn) Darden, West Point, GA, Will (Marva) Darden, Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.