Maurice Estelle Graves, formerly of Camden, passed away on March 26, 2023 in Hot Springs, AR.  She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers.  She was born December 16, 1929 in Texarkana, TX to Myles Sigsbee and Chleo Pirkey Williams.  She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Camden.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John M. Graves; son, John M. "Johnny" Graves, Jr.; parents; and sister, Jo Evelyn Clarkson.  She is survived by four daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and John Wilson, Jr., Pamela and Nick Pierce all of Sherwood, Dawn and Wade Green of Camden, Tina and Randy King of Horseshoe Bay, TX; 12 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and sister, Claire Smeed and her husband, J. R. Smeed of Bakersfield, CA; sister-in-law, Norma Graves of Little Rock; and many nieces and nephews.

Maurice grew up in Texarkana, TX.  She graduated from Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX in 1951.  Soon after, she met the love of her life, Jack.  They married in June 1954 and moved to Arkansas.  They were married 58 years until he passed away in 2012.  She was proud of her Texas roots, but she loved Arkansas too, especially Hot Springs.  Lake Hamilton was her happy place.

Our mother, who was also affectionately known as Mam-ma or Shuga Babe to some, was a pillar of strength. She may have been small in stature, but she set strong examples in everything she did in life. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.  She adored her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and all of her family. Most of all she was a strong Christian woman of faith, and that showed in everything she did. She was a firm believer in the Golden Rule.

The family is grateful for the many caregivers who helped our mother during her journey with Alzheimer's.  We sincerely thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a. m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Proctor Funeral Home, Camden, AR.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 – 11:00 a. m. before the service.  Memorials may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church Building Fund, 202 N. Adams, Camden, AR 71701 or Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.