Joyce Graves

Joyce Marina Graves, age 73, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020 with her loving family by her side. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, raised in Biloxi, graduated from BHS in 1965, she spent most of her adult life in Issaquah and then in Yakima Washington, Burnsville Minnesota and finally Joyce moved back home to Biloxi Mississippi.
Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Ernest Eugene Jordan, mother, Annette T. Jordan, sister, Janet Marie, niece, Jillaine Marina and great nephew, Jace Miller. Joyce is survived by her husband, Jonathan F. Graves of 53 loving years, Loyal dog Gunner, daughter, Heather Annette Waterland, husband, Andy Charles Waterland, grandchildren, Stella and Blake Waterland of Minnesota, sister, Karen (Jordan) Sinopoli (Michael) of Biloxi, family, Jeremiah Unkel, Danielle Miller (Billy) nephews Atreyu & Elric Upshaw, brother Ernest Eugene Jordan Jr., daughter Brooke Jordan.
Joyce had many passions, talents and accomplishments. The list is too long to detail, but her 1st and best accomplishment was marrying the love of her life and best friend Jonathan F. Graves in 1967, a wonderful, kind, compassionate and devoted husband, 2nd was her endurance to conquer Hodgkin’s Disease, Breast Cancer, Skin Cancer, Kidney Cancer, a Nerve Disease and the stamina and will to live on and beat the next health challenge that came her way. Her only grandchildren, Stella and Blake were the main reason to keep fighting, as they meant the world to her. It was hard to forget Joyce, even if it was the first time you’d met her as she made an impression on many. She had a unique sense of humor and made many lifelong friends over the years. Joyce looked forward to her once a month Mexican Tiles game with a loving group of friends. She provided steadfast support, lifelong experiences and advice to her family members and especially her grandchildren. Joyce had the ability and talent to write meaningful letters with messages of hope to her family and friends. She wrote articles for newspapers and magazines as well. Her favorite places to visit were Hawaii and any Caribbean Island. Risking it all, Joyce worked tirelessly to build a chain of pet and supply stores in Western Washington with her husband Jon, known as The Ark Pets and Supplies. Many of Joyce’s employees kept in contact with her over the years as she made an impression on their lives. Joyce’s passion to protect all animals and teach others how to properly care for and treat them allowed her to sit on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of King County in Washington State.
The family would like to thank the countless doctors, nurses, and hospice staff at various medical care facilities in Washington, Minnesota and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Due to the current pandemic, a small Memorial service to honor Joyce’s life will be held following the New Year. Memorial Donations in Joyce’s name may be made to your favorite local Pet Rescue Organization.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com