Deacon Julious Earl Graves, Sr., 80

Mr. Julious Earl Graves, Sr., (Mr. Big Earl),80 of Mount Olive, MS died on December 13, 2024, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS.

Mr. Graves attended Smith County Training School, Taylorsville, MS where he participated in various sports. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS. He was employed by the Blain Company, Gulf Oil Company, Universal Manufacturing Corporation, and Pool off-Shore Company, where he retired after 25 years of service. 

Mr. Graves was a member of Point Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church during his younger years and later became a member of Mt. Zion Jr. Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a dedicated Deacon until his death. He will be remembered as a hard worker and tireless figure in the Mount Olive community. He had a passion and love for children that will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham Graves, and Luversia NcNair Graves; his grandfather, Clifton McNair, Sr.. who raised him along with his two cousins, James Louis Durr and Jessie Ruth Braddy, who were like siblings to him. Sisters, Gloria Stokes, Essie Gardner, Minnie Lee Graves, and Jessie Turner; one brother, Abraham Graves, Jr., and beloved aunts, uncles, and friends.

Survivors include his dedicated and loving wife, Mynyon Barron Graves; sons, Julious Earl Graves, Jr., (Tracey), Terry, MS, Julian Alexander Graves, Sr ( LaSonja), Mt. Olive, and Jules Avery Graves Gloster, MS. Sister, Jessie Ruth Braddy (Joe), Jackson, MS; 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, family members, friends and an innumerable number of children for whom he taught many of the skills needed to mature into men.

Active Pallbearers: Darnal Turner, Phillips Gardner, Augustus Harvey, Jr., Kyrus Hall, Sr., Julian Graves,, II, and Rashad Williamson

Flower Bearers: Granddaughters, Nieces, and Friends.

Dr. Floyd Strickland, Pastor and Eulogist, Reverend Leonard Keys, Mt. Zion Jr. Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Olive. Words of Comfort presented by Brother Clay Ingram. Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs Martha McNair.