Carol Nabors Graves

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 12 noon, followed by a reception at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 14th at 3:00 p.m.

Carol Nabors Graves, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 87.

Carol Faye Nabors was born on October 23, 1937, to Fred and Louise Nabors. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years, Perry Graves. Carol is survived by her daughter, Susan Barber (Scott); her son, John Graves (Renee); and five grandchildren, whom she dearly loved: Bethany Barber McFarland (Nathan), Brandon Barber, Kalea Graves Murphy (Aidan), Brooke Barber, and Kaija Graves. Carol grew up in the close-knit mining town of Margaret, Alabama. She excelled academically, becoming a cheerleader and homecoming queen at Hewitt Trussville High School, where she graduated in 1956. Though she dreamed of continuing her education, financial constraints delayed that path.

On July 13, 1957, Carol married Perry Graves, embracing his large and loving family. Together, they made their home in Roebuck Plaza, where Carol became an active member of First Baptist Church and the community. She filled her days with temporary work, caring for Perry’s mother and aunts, and volunteering at church. After eight years of marriage, they welcomed their daughter, Susan, and two years later, their son, John. Carol then devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker, nurturing her family with love and faith. Years later, Carol returned to work through temp services, eventually securing a long-term role at the anesthesiology office at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Her strong work ethic, quick learning, and grace under pressure earned her a full-time position and later the role of office manager. Carol’s dedication led her to travel to conferences, representing the department with pride and professionalism.

Despite her busy career, Carol never lost sight of her dream of earning a college degree. Balancing full-time work and family, she achieved that dream, graduating from Birmingham Southern with a business degree in May of 1989. She continued her work at Children’s Hospital until her retirement. Following Perry’s passing, Carol moved to Hoover to be closer to Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Over the next three decades, she embraced life fully traveling the world with friends, joining book clubs, and participating in game groups and supper clubs.

In memory of Carol Graves, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to any of the following:

Benton House of Newnan, GA https://www.bentonhouse.com/senior-living-newnan-ga/

Briarwood Presbyterian Church - the Widow’s Ministry https://briarwood.org/giving/

The Moody Bible Institute

https://www.moody.edu/

Funeral services are under the care of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Birmingham, AL. 

Carol’s warmth, faith, and dedication to her family and friends will be remembered always.