The Life and Legacy of

Josie A. Graves

" I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. " Psalm 34:1-4.

Sister Josie Mae Arnold Graves, who was born on February 13, 1935 to the union of the late Feltus and Nola Arnold, peacefully departed this life on earth to take her heavenly resting place on Thursday, March 9, 2023, with her husband by her side.

Josie Mae dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Dorseyville, LA. Throughout the years, she remained steadfast in her walk of faith and served as an active member of St. Mary Baptist Church of Dorseyville, LA, until she married and relocated her membership to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Darrow, LA.

Josie always displayed a zest for education and a zeal for service. After graduating from Lowery High School in 1954, Josie went on to graduate with a Bachelor's degree from Grambling State University in 1958. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master 's degree and a Master ' s +30 designation in Education from Southern University and A&M College.

Josie joyfully served 34 years as an educator at Dorseyville Elementary School. She wanted all of her students to excel in every aspect of their lives. She loved watching them grow up and held great pride for all they accomplished as students, parents, and working professionals. Her favorite memories came from teaching the children of her former students.

In retirement, Josie proved to be an even more exemplary daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt (Tee), and friend. She dutifully cared for her mother (Nola V.) and helped to rear her granddaughter (Porcha). Josie loved going to Southern games with her husband (Nathaniel) and shopping with her daughter (Lesa), just as much as she loved getting back home to her reclining chair. She enjoyed late night praying and late night phone calls from her family and friends, especially her life-long friends, Lorenza Delone Solite and the late Mildred H. Young.

Josie Mae had a heart of pure gold! She gave without expecting and shared without a second thought. She was affectionately described as a kind and compassionate woman that always delivered her best. She lived a life rich in style, joy, and the most heartwarming sort of love.

Josie leaves to emulate her beautiful life, dedicated husband of 39 years, Nathaniel Graves of Darrow, LA; devoted daughter, Lesa Carr Thompson of Sorrento, LA; step-daughter, A. Denise Graves of Gonzales, LA; and granddaughter, Porcha C. Thompson of Gonzales, LA. Josie also leaves a legacy of love and memories to be cherished by her three nephews, two of whom she helped rear, the ever-faithful Rev. Therman E. Arnold (Lydia), Brian Arnold, Sr. (Karen), and Don Arnold (Marilyn); her dearest cousins, Eloise Smith Dowdell (George), Augustus Jackson, Jr. (Liz) and Lydia Smith Williams (Edward) ; godchildren, Glynn Williams, Sr., Glyniss Desira (Darrell), Brian Arnold, Jr., and Lloyd Arnold; sisters-in-law, Angelia Jackson, Elvia Autry, Orelia Phillip, Mary Vinnett, and Myrna Victor; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who treasured her dearly.

Josie was preceded in death by parents, Feltus and Nola Arnold; brother, Arthur Arnold; brother-in-law, Leo Graves, Sr.; sister-in-law, Seraphene " Phene " Graves; step-daughter, Marsha Graves Taylor; and niece-in-law, Lois Gray.