LUBBOCK- Bertha Nadine Graves was born in Abernathy to Pittman and Ruby Lee Emery. She attended Lubbock High School and married Paul Clifton Graves on December 23, 1940, who preceded her in death in 1977. They were members of Pioneer Park Church of Christ for many years. Nadine was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend, enjoying family gatherings and playing games. She had a great love for music, painting, working with her husband, PTA, scouts, church, American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the Golden Rule Dance Club. She was a gracious host, making each person feel special. She loved young people and was very interested in their pursuits, always encouraging them. She was primarily a homemaker, working seasonally at the USDA Cotton Classing Office. She retired after 10 years in electronics at Litton. She obtained her real estate licence and moved to Austin to be near her children, and lived there independently for the remainder of her life.

Surviving are her children, Carolyn Coffey, Paula Norrid (Bill), Harold Graves (Todd), and Maxine Akins Graves; brother, Harold Emery (Venera); in-laws, Jim Jarrell, Margaret Moore and Lorraine Graves,; four grands, Ginger (Graves) Aguilar (Frank), Kelly Coffey (Kim), Melissa Leatherwood, and Colby Coffey (Alana); 11 greats, Clifton, Crystal and Jacob, Kasey and Kalli, Kelly and Chance, and Susan, Samantha and Malory; Maggie Moo; and generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Clifton Graves, Calif.; parents; and nine siblings.

A celebration of life will be held in Resthaven Chapel, Lubbock, at 10 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2012 with Rev. Danny Lucas of Amarillo officiating and music by Doug Stone and friends.

Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on July 22, 2012