Mrs. Bernice P. Graves, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend and mother-like figure to many, entered into eternal peace on November 15, 2025, at home with her loved ones nearby.

Mrs. Bernice P. Graves, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away at the age of 80.  She was born on May 14, 1945, the second youngest of five children born to the late Bernard Parker, Sr. and Mrs. Rosetta Parker of Hopewell, Virginia.

Bernice worked tirelessly at many jobs to provide for her children and grandchildren. She worked for many years at John Randolph Hospital as a floor tech.  After leaving John Randolph Hospital, she decided to open Land of Love Daycare, where she provided genuine love and care to all the children who attended, as well as guidance to many of their parents.  She also provided that same love and support to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She never met a stranger and was well known for cooking and feeding anyone who stopped by.  Bernice absolutely loved pets, especially dogs and birds.

Even as her health declined, she remained strong and faithful, never complaining and always proclaiming, "I'm blessed among the blessed."
Bernice fought the good fight, finished her race, and has now taken her crown to be made whole.

Bernice was preceded in death by her mother and father, Rosetta and Bernard Parker; her husband of many years, Wilson "Sleepy" Graves; her brothers, Bernard Parker, Jr., Cleveland Parker and Herman Parker; and her sister, Rubye Bailey.

Bernice leaves cherished memories to her five loving children, whom she loved so very much, Harold Delane of Hopewell, Virginia, Kevin Delane of Atlanta, Georgia, Charlie Delane of Trenton, New Jersey, Bernice Delane and Tabitha Delane (Kevin) both of Hopewell, Virginia.  Bernice also survived by nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; a dear sister-in-law, Patricia Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and so many whose lives she touched.

A life well lived, she gave of herself and served others in her own unique ways.

Bernice was a devoted member of Word of Life Center of Hopewell, Virginia, where she received Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Word of Life Center, 2401 Boston Street, Hopewell, VA, Bishop Richard H. Cross, Sr., Pastor, eulogist.  The interment to follow at the Appomattox Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.