Mary Elizabeth SeGraves, 93

Mary Elizabeth SeGraves died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones at home on the morning of September 11, 2021. Mary was born to William and Mary (Walker) Hashley on November 20, 1927 in Hudson, Michigan. Mary graduated from Adrian College, MI, with a teaching degree in 1949. On April 24, 1949 she married William "Paul" SeGraves while he was on furlough from Japan with the Air Force. Their only daughter, Sandra, was born in Japan in 1951. After an honorable discharge, they moved back to MI in 1952. Four sons followed and Mary was happy to continue teaching as they grew. In 1963, Mary was appointed Principal of the Jerome School in Saginaw, MI. On Palm Sunday in 1965, after a devastating tornado damaged their dairy farm, Paul believed he was called into ministry by the Lord. Paul, now 37, Mary and the five children moved to Elgin, IL where Paul began his studies at Judson College. Mary continued teaching and raising their children and Paul graduated from Seminary in June, 1973 with a Master's Degree of Divinity. They moved their family to the Big Sky state of Montana, where Paul became the fulltime Pastor of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Whitehall, MT and the Church in the Valley in Butte, MT. Mary, who loved the Lord, loved being a Pastor's wife and leading and serving in the church. They would entertain at their home regularly. After Paul's passing in 1993, Mary remained an active Member of the church.

Years passed and Mary moved to Butte, MT. Her grown children and growing grandchildren were moving away. Mary decided to make her home in Reno, NV, to be nearer to her family. Mary became involved with not only her family but her new church family as well. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Mary used her gift of compassion to reach out to those in need with regular phone calls. All of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew Mary loved them very much and she shared her love for God and prayed for them all often.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, her husband Paul, daughter Sandra (Sandy) Reese and her son Samuel (Sam).

Mary will be remembered and greatly missed by her sons David [WA], Jeff (Kathy) [NV] and Bill [KC], her eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

Nicknamed Grandma on-the-Go, she was energetic, enjoyed Bible Studies, Bingo and thrift store shopping. It was hard for people and family to believe she was in her 90's!

What a blessing for us all to be blessed with this kind, loving and generous woman of faith!

For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at http://www.cbcreno.org at 10am PT Saturday, 10/23/2021.