Mary Ellen (Hopper) Graves, 83, of Harrisburg, Arkansas, departed this life Monday, September 15, 2025, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Mary Ellen was born in Harrisburg (Bolivar Township), Arkansas, on June 20, 1942, the daughter of Thurman Wallace and Dorothy (Brownlee) Hopper. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years Billy Ray Graves, one brother, two sisters, one grandson, Josh McKenize.
She is survived by two sons: Kenneth Ray (wife Kim) Graves, Kim Ray (wife Wilma ‶LouLou″) Graves, two daughters: Mary Lee (Graves) husband Carl McKenzie, Wilma ‶Sissy″(Graves) husband Tony Rice, one brother, Thurman (Debbie) Hopper, seven grandchildren: Billy James (B. J.) and wife Michelle McKenzie, Meagan Rice, Krista (husband Cody) Nugent, Kaitlyn (husband Chris) Nugent, Kodi (husband R. J.) Platz, Nicholas Graves and Korey Graves, and ten Great-Grands: Analise and husband Gideon, Abby, Amos, Bentley, Allie, Jensen, Elliott, Juniper, Riley, and Kylie.
Mary Ellen had several jobs in her adult life: Hill & Hill 5&Dime in Harrisburg, she worked several years in the Harrisburg School District cafeteria, sold Avon for many years, and worked for Leonard Insurance also in Harrisburg. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, playing Scrabble spending time with family and friends. Mary Ellen enjoyed more than anything her time at Church; she was a lifetime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was a very active member at church: VBS Director, taught Sunday School, part of the Women’s group, whatever was happening at church, she was all in!
Visitation will be Wednesday September 17, 2025 at Jackson’s Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 P. M. Funeral service will be Thursday September 18, 2025 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 10:00 A. M. with Bro James Hewitt conducting the service.
These men are pleased to be Active Pallbearers: Amos McKenzie, B. J. McKenzie, Korey Graves, Nicholas Graves, Cody Nugent, and Chris Nugent. Interment will be in Willis Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
