Michelle Gilchrist Graves was born on January 17, 1960, in Washington, D.C., to the late Liston Gilchrist and Celestine Paige. She was affectionately known as “Sheila” to her family and was the second of five children. While in Washington, D.C., she attended the local public school system until she relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her preteen years, she attended Overbrook High School while residing with the late Florence Palmer. During this time, she welcomed her first-born son, Leroan, in 1977.

During her adult years, she met and married Donald R. Graves on January 21, 1982, while attending Mitchell Baptist Church. After a few months, she joined her husband at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Barksdale was a time of blessings. She gave birth to her second child, Latasha, in 1982, just prior to relocating to Germany for five years.

At Ramstein Air Base, she began working with Civil Service as a telephone operator. Her interaction with people over the phone blossomed into her love for all people. She began attending the Landstuhl Gospel Service. It was there that she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She also served as an usher and really enjoyed it, which became a time of growth and development for her. Through it all, she remained a Civil Service employee, interacting with people until she relocated to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico.

Once at Cannon Air Force Base, Michelle began working with babies, and it seemed to be her calling. She resumed ushering and loving people while incorporating her work with babies to fulfill her passion. Eventually, she joined Faith Christian Family Church and became a nursery supervisor. She also became a foster parent, caring for a total of 52 children through the Children, Youth and Families Department over a period of nine years.

Michelle’s love for people and children never faded. When a need arose, she moved to West Chester, Ohio, to help care for her grandchildren, which was her heart’s desire. Once there, she joined West Chester Nazarene Church, and her love for babies shone brighter with each passing day, along with her love for God.

Her love for God and her passion for babies were displayed until her transition to her heavenly home on September 6, 2026.

Michelle leaves to mourn her husband of 45 years, Donald R. Graves; five children, Leroan, Tasha (Antoinn), Melissa (Lamont), Jessica, and Heather; and three sisters, Sandy P. (Anthony), Lynnette A., and Veronica A. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren; an uncle, Benjamin; an aunt, Carol Snow (Billy); an uncle, Jimmy; and a host of family and friends who loved and cherished her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Lee.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the West Chester Church of Nazarene, 7951 Tylersville Rd., West Chester (45069).

A second visitation from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the West Chester Church of Nazarene, 7951 Tylersville Rd., West Chester (45069). Funeral service starts at 10:00 a.m.

Interment 2:30 p.m., Monday, September 28, 2026 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Graves family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Graves family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.