Carolyn S. Graves, 69, Marion, passed away at 4:06 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at Marion General Hospital. She was born in Logan, West Virginia, on January 16, 1949, and was the daughter of Earl and Lillian (Berry) Owsley.
Carolyn was a coal miner’s daughter who spent most of her childhood in West Virginia and Kentucky prior to her family moving to Indiana. After the family relocated to Marion, Indiana, she graduated from Marion High School and went on to receive her cosmetology license.
It was at a going-away party for a friend being shipped to Vietnam that Carolyn met her future husband. On March 1, 1969, she married Earl Graves and together they raised two children, Allison and Kelly.
Carolyn’s love for the Lord naturally extended into her relationships with her family and all who knew her. She always said “I love you!” and you knew she meant it. She sang in her church at Jalapa Chapel and was also a member of a gospel group called Heaven’s Echoes. She and Earl enjoyed going on vacations and attending southern gospel music concerts. Some of Carolyn’s hobbies included crafts, quilting, making teddy bears, making and restoring dolls, dancing, and gardening. She especially loved spending time with all of her family.
She will be remembered for her good heart, her love for Jesus, her giving and helpful spirit, and for how much she always put others first.
Survivors include her loving husband of 49 years, Earl; children, Allison Hunnicutt, Bluffton, and Kelly (Jeff) Durkes, Harlan; grandchildren, Justin and Lauren Durkes; brothers, Gary “Neal” (Margaret) Owsley, Somerset, and Earl “Buckle” (Cheryl) Owsley, Jr., Sweetser; half-sister, Juanita, Washington State; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Earl and Lillian Owsley; two half-sisters, Betty and Viva; and infant brother, Mitchell.
The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Monday, August 20, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Following the time of visitation, Carolyn’s funeral service will begin at 12 noon with Rev. Gary Dyer and Pastor James Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.