GEORGETOWN - Gladys E. Graves passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family after a long illness, on July 12, 2018.
Gladys was born on a farm outside Georgetown to the late John Wingate Elliott and Alberta Rogers Truitt. She was proud to be a life-long resident of Sussex County.
Gladys worked as a telephone operator and a test desk technician for Diamond State Telephone Company and retired in 1990. She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, Georgetown. She served as secretary of the Board of Directors, and as a Sunday school teacher. Gladys enjoyed singing in the church choir and volunteering at the Robin Hood Thrift Shop, Georgetown. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Gladys enjoyed being outside working in her yard and garden. She was an avid quilter and seamstress. Gladys, an excellent cook, was always eager to set another place at her table.
In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Charlie" Graves; son, Henry G. Graves, II; brothers, John A. Elliott and Preston W. Elliott; and brother-in-law, Charles "Cap" Wilkins.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Braswell and husband Bill; son, Charles "Chuck" Graves and wife Lisa; sister, Jean Elliott Wilkins; grandchildren, Tonya Steward (Jared), Charles "Chip" Graves (Hillary), Carl Graves, and Marga Graves; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Madeleine, and Matthias Steward, and Allie Graves; and many beloved nephews and nieces.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful care givers who helped Gladys remain in her home during her long illness. The outstanding care, friendship and support greatly enriched her final stage of life, and enabled her to remain in her beloved home.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown on Monday, July 16, 2018. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the service starting at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963 or to Grace United Methodist Church, 7 South King Street, Georgetown DE 19947.