Vera Graves

Vera Graves (Gray) was born October 21, 1936, in Wewoka, Oklahoma to the union of Jessie Gray and Iola Bell Wright. She passed away, praising God on her last breath, on January 20, 2023, at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, California. She succumbed to her long battle with cancer surrounded and supported by her loving daughter, family, friends, and pastors. 

Vera’s parents moved their growing family (2 daughters and 2 sons) to Pixley, CA in the 1940’s. They relocated to Saticoy, CA in the ‘50’s, and finally settled in Oxnard. While Vera is a California resident of many years, she stayed strong to her Oklahoma roots and often reminded all that she’s “an Okie.” 

Vera was not only a member of, but also the Mother of, the Church of Overcomer Outreach Ministries in Oxnard, CA. Additionally, she was a member of the Golden Classic at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, where she started her career in 1965 as a CNA and retired as CTNA in 2000. 

Vera married her high school sweetheart in 1954, Joel Patterson, and from that union, had a son - Roderick L. Patterson. Vera re-married in 1971, USAF Edward W. Graves Jr., and from that union had a daughter - Malissa V. Graves. 

Vera is survived by her loving daughter, Malissa V. Graves; sister, Tressie Banks; brothers, Chuck Gray (Linda), Larry Gray, Butch Gray (Debra), and Wardell Gray; grandchild, Sarah D. McKibben (Josh); great grandson, Maverick McKibben; and a host of cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.
 

She is preceded in death by her son, Roderick L. Patterson; her parents, Jessie Gray and Iola B. Gray (Wright); and her brothers, Cleveland Gray and Jazell Gray.

Church Services: Monday, February 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Simply House of Prayer Church, 415 Pearson Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041, officiated by Bishop B.A Huggins.  

Internment: will immediately follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA 93003 Tel: (805) 642-1055.  

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