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Celebrating the life of Alma Graves
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Obituary for Alma Graves
A Celebration of Alma's life will occur on Monday, December 20, 2021 at:
Wood Funeral Home 5537-39 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131
Memorial begins at 11 AM.
The Obituary
Alma was the only child born to Rudolph Bartley and Ethelind Walker-Bartley of Mandeville (Manchester Parrish) Jamaica, West Indies. Alma was born on July 19, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts. Although born in Boston, she returned to the West Indies at the age of 8 and remained there for lower school. Upon returning to Boston, Massachusetts, she completed her schooling.
Alma relocated from Boston to Brooklyn, New York with her mother where she attended art school, with plans of becoming a fashion designer (which was evident by her extensive and stylish wardrobe). In New York, she met scores of acquaintances; one of which would introduce her to her husband and become her sister-in-law.
The union between Alma and George Graves brought her to Philadelphia, PA and resulted in the birth of two daughters, Pamela (pre-deceased 12/27/2012) and surviving daughter, Patricia.
As a single mom after the death of her husband, she worked hard to maintain familial stability and ensure that her daughters had everything that they needed to be happy and successful. Alma was a disciplined and loving mother.
Alma was a quiet storm. She didn’t believe in saying much, but was always able to make her message heard. That was the authenticity of her; more substance than pretense. She wasn’t a fast friend, but she was a loyal friend. If she loved you, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for you.
Alma believed in the value of hard-work, independence and order. She retired from Keystone AAA where her diligence paid off and she quickly rose through the ranks from Clerk to Manager of Membership Services. She was an open-door styled manager and was was always there for her employees. She lead with compassionate.
Not only was Alma a compassionate leader, she was also a servant leader. Alma was always quick to volunteer her services. If she wasn’t participating in neighborhood watch, standing in as a crossing guard for elementary schoolers or MC’ing for charity events; you could count on her to resurrect her artistic skills to create programs and newsletters for many of the organizations she served; United Neighbors of Cecil Street, NCBA, Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church Flower Society, you name it. She was never comfortable in what she termed, the ‘do nothing club’. She always wanted to be of service.
Alma was a kind and loyal soul. She loved the Lord and was not ashamed to share His goodness. When illness initially raised its head, she was ready for the call. Our Lord, in His infinite wisdom, love and mercy never makes a mistake. He allowed Alma to remain with us in her decline; through the loss of her sight and hearing, compromised mobility and the onset of renal failure, as an example for us all. While she suffered, she never complained. She waited patiently on the Lord … and when He called, she answered.
Have the florist deliver your selection to the church no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!! THANK YOU!!
