Norfolk Business Owner And Legend Turns 100-Years-Old

NORFOLK

Hampton Roads’ local Icon and Philanthropist, Mrs. Mildred Graves, turned 100-years-old this week, Tuesday, August 27. The high-spirited Mildred Graves is the Co-Founder of Graves Funeral Home which has been serving the Hampton Roads community for over the last 66 years.

In celebration of her longevity and community service, elected officials, community leaders, family, friends and more are coming together to give honor to Mrs. Graves as she becomes a centenarian.

A line up of events have been planned to bring together many lifelong friends of Mrs. Graves to include Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, Councilwoman Angelia Williams Graves, Best Decker, Dr. Keith Newby, Councilwoman Mamie Johnson, Yvonne Almond, Attorney Don Scott, Brenda Andrews, Portsmouth Sheriff Micheal Moore and Delegate Jay Jones, just to name a few. 

Her only request for birthday gifts is to be able to spend time with the ones whom she loves and has built everlasting relationships with. 

Mrs. Graves, who retired as a Norfolk Public Schools teacher after 25 years, has lived in the same home in Norfolk for 55 years. She gained the nickname “Mildred the Miracle (MTM)” after overcoming a series of health challenges to include a June 2018 heart attack and a brain tumor in 1986. Also, she is a 55-year breast cancer survivor. 

Every year, she organizes a turkey drive and to date still makes all the phone calls to give out over 500 turkeys during Christmas. 

Her 100-Year Celebration includes private events at The Town Point Club in downtown Norfolk and a Backyard Party.