Dessie M. Graley, 91, of South Charleston went home to be with Jesus Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Thomas Memorial Hospital.
She was born one of triplets on March 28, 1926 in a log cabin at McCorkle, Lincoln County, WV, to Martin Van Buren and Gertrude Tyler Brown.
In 1952 Dessie married the love of her life, Rev. Lee W. Graley. She faithfully supported him as he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ until he went home to be with the Lord in 1997.
For many years, she taught Sunday School at Lincoln Drive Church of God and also retired as a cook at Montrose Elementary School. Dessie was an avid quilter and she loved reading her Bible.
She was preceded in death by siblings, George, Lydia, Lewis, Hattie, Essie, Jessie, Martin Jr. and Barbara.
Even though she never preached a sermon from the pulpit, Dessie raised up a family of ministers, including her daughter, Rev. Paula Hill, son-in-law William Hill, grandson Aaron Hill and wife, Sarah and grandson William Lee Hill. She is also survived by great granddaughter, Miriam Rejoice Hill and sister, Lucy Ricks.
Service will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with her home going celebration to be officiated by the ministers of her family, Rev. Aaron Hill, Rev. Paula Hill, Rev. William O. Hill and William Lee Hill assisted by family friend Rev. Lois Joslin. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.