William Joseph Graves Iii

William Joseph Graves III was born on August 11, 1950, to the union of the late Minnie Mae and William Joseph Graves II, in Des Moines, Iowa. He began his work with Christ at an early age as a member of St. Paul AME Church in Des Moines, Iowa. After moving to Jackson, MS William became a faithful worshiper at Pearl St. AME Church.

Graduating from North High School in Des Moines led William to complete a bachelors degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa. While there, he became a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

William gained employment as a probation officer for the Department of Corrections in Des Moines, IA. In the early 1980's, he moved to Jackson, MS and worked with the Hinds County Department of Human Services for several years. He retired from the Mississippi State Hospital, having served in many capacities as a social worker.

William enjoyed listening to jazz, watching crime shows, traveling and reading. He was a workout fanatic, often getting up at 4:00 AM to go to the gym.

William was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Effie and a very dear cousin, Jackie.

William leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Milsha Kennedy, Tulsa, OK; brothers, Butch, Corpus Christi, TX; Thomas (Carolyn), Lee's Summit, MO; Belvic (Nancy), and James (Kathy), Sioux Falls; sisters, Brenda (Charles), Linda K (William), Des Moines, IA; Anna, Tulsa, OK; Minnie, Phoenix, AZ; Edna (Kenneth), Vandalia, MO and Rhonda (Eric), Middletown, DE; grandsons, KeAndre and LeMon, and a great grandson, Cayden, Tulsa, OK; a very special nephew, Jermont, Hyattsville, MD; a special cousin, Dorothea, Smithville, TX; a loving friend, Gwen Taylor, who was a significant part of his life; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

His memory will forever live in our hearts.Funeral Service









Saturday, January 20, 2018

Starts at 12:00pm









St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church