Evelynn Ann Graves, 81 of Springfield, was born on March 12, 1934 to Verda (Wilson) and John James. She passed away on September 18, 2015.

She lived for her family, babysat numerous children and they all called her grandma. She graduated from Bolivar Baptist College with a degree in secretarial. She loved animals, collected frogs, enjoyed gardens especially roses and pansies. "And though she be but little, she is fierce"-Shakespeare.

Evelynn is preceded in death by her husband: Paul Graves; daughter: Melanie Jean Graves; parents; 2 brothers: Carrollee James and Robert "Bob" James; 2 sisters: Allene Davis and Georgene Porter; half brother: Paul James.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Jo Lynn Lawrence and her husband Jim, Mary Elaine Hebert and her husband Terry and Julie Ann Nichols; son: Michael David Manis; 7 grandchildren: Gail, Roy, Troy, Michael, Chasity, Chrshonna and Benjamin; 4 great-grandchildren: Emily, Erin, Kyle and Katie; sister: Dana Mae Caffey and a host of family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 6 till 8 p.m. at Eastlawn Funeral Home, 2244 E Pythian, Springfield. Service will be on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in Eastlawn Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with the family through this online guestbook.