Genevieve Dean Graddy

Hinesville

Genevieve Dean Graddy is in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She departed this earth on Friday, May 25, 2018, at the age of 99, at her home in Hinesville.

Born and raised in Liberty County, she the youngest of seven children born to her parents, the late James Allen and Caroline Virginia Dean.  Her siblings, all of whom predeceased her, were Rufus E. Dean, Edward B. Dean, Mary Ellen Dean Scudder, Jesse B. Dean, Almana Dean Cobb, and Eloise Dean.

She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, L. Broughton Graddy, Sr., on October 17, 1999, their 62nd anniversary. 

She is survived by their three children, Len B. Graddy, Jr. (Pat) of Yellow Bluff, Brenda M. Bonnet (Jim) of Charleston, SC, and Sheila Crawford (Mike) of Peachtree City, GA; her four loving grands, Joey Murphy (Annette) of Charleston, SC, Mike Crawford, IV (Kate) of Sharpsburg, GA, Heather Graddy of Cleveland, OH, and Sarah C. Rainwater (Michael) of Newnan, GA; four great-grands, Michael, Gabby, Libby, and Sam; several nieces and nephews - especially her very dear niece, Mary Lou Poole; her caregiver of six years, Myra Barrows, and Luz Luis, Gail Scott, Ms. Laura Watson. 

Genevieve graduated from Bradwell Institute High School and worked as a telephone operator in the 1940’s in Hinesville.  She volunteered as a “Gray Lady” of the Red Cross at Fort Stewart (then Camp Stewart) Hospital Barracks.  Her service was to the wounded soldiers returning from war.  In later years, she worked for Shaves Company as a cashier until she retired. 

When she was about 15 years old and living out in the country, she would be asked to play an old pump organ for church services at the church at “The Bluff” near Taylors Creek and Flemington Presbyterian Church.  For many years at homecoming time, she would play the pump organ at the old Walthourville Church.  She also played at the historical Midway Church and Dorchester Church.  One of her greatest joys was music.  Her family loved and enjoyed the times she would play the piano and harmonica at home and they would all laugh and sing.

A charter member of First Presbyterian Church of Hinesville, she was the pianist and assistant organist for over 30 years and a member of the choir.  In March of 2007, while in her 80’s, she received the Women’s Honorary Life Membership Award from the Savannah Presbytery and another from First Presbyterian Church.  She also played an early service at Allenhurst Presbyterian Church for over 30 years and played for funeral services for many years at Carter Funeral Home in Hinesville.  

One of her most favorite things to do was bake her lemon pies for those who were ill, had lost a loved one, or just to say ‘I care’ or ‘thank you’.  Her friends and family will miss her dearly.  She was a loving wife, a giving mother and aunt, an inspiring grandmother, a cherishing great-grandmother, an amazing woman and an inspiration to all who knew her. 

The funeral service will begin at 3 pm, Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church of Hinesville.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service (2-3 pm).  Burial will be at Flemington Presbyterian Cemetery following the service. 

Reverend Roland S. Banks will officiate and Mrs. Graddy’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Hinesville, 320 Memorial Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313. 

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com.