Andrea Jenks Graves

June 24, 1944 - August 1, 2014
Andrea Jenks Graves

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Andrea Gay Jenks Graves, age 70, of Wrightsville Beach, NC passed away Friday, August 1st at her home, her husband Dick Graves at her side.

She was predeceased by her father, John Alton Jenks. Besides her husband, she leaves behind to cherish her memory two brothers, John and Kirk Jenks; three sons Mike, Matt and Andy Graves; six grandchildren Caroline, Colin, Jack, Gabby, Keagan, and Rylan Graves; her aunt Bert McFayden; and her beloved mother, Sally Hatfield Jenks.

Andrea Gay, also known by her several nicknames, Andy Gay, Gay, Jenks, and Jenksie, was born June 24th, 1944 in Matewan, West Virginia in the presence of her grandparents Andrew and Gay Hatfield, both of whom she was named for. Her grandfather Andrew was the son of the ill-fated Ellison Hatfield, one of the first victims of the Hatfield McCoy feud along the West Virginia/Kentucky border. Her father, John Alton Jenks, was enlisted in the Army at the time of birth and met her 2 weeks later to take the family back to Camp Van Dorn in Mississippi. She grew up in Afton, NY and graduated from Afton Central School. She then attended the Woman’s College of UNC at Greensboro, UNC Chapel Hill, where she met her husband, and graduated from American University with a degree in Sociology.

Andrea and Dick made their homes in Chenango Bridge, NY, Sherman, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, Bethesda MD and eventually Wrightsville Beach. Along with raising three grateful sons, Andrea became a Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday School teacher, and after moving to Bethesda, settled into a professional role in Administration at her husband’s company, Ralph Graves Productions. Over the course of more than 25 years with the company, she forged long-lasting relationships with clients and vendors, sometimes traveled to shows, and became an important first impression for potential new business.

She will be incredibly missed by her extended family and friends, who are scattered throughout the many places she has lived. Especially missed will be her vibrant personality, sense of humor, penchant for playing endless games of Backgammon, and special connection with her grandchildren.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.


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  • August 14, 2014
    Jennifer Kane says:
    My deepest sympathies, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • August 08, 2014
    Kay Harris Kriegsman says:
    Condolences on the loss of a lovely, energetic daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. I remember her well from your Wood Acres years as mother of those three active sons.

  • August 08, 2014
    Margaret Graves Laniak says:
    Dear Richard, So, so sorry to hear of Jenks' passing. She was beautiful and sweet. Please know I'm thinking of you and your boys. You were a devoted husband, much like your father and uncle, Ralph and George. Love, Margaret

  • August 08, 2014
    Hilda and Harvey Joyner says:
    We are so sad to learn of Andrea's passing. Although we weren't best friends we had many chats about Caroline and Mike. They were such good friends through high school and college. We all shared graduations and other good times because of them. We are thinking of you and know that we are terribly sad. Would love to hear from friend, Mike. Sincerely, Hilda and Harvey Joyner

  • August 09, 2014
    Ken Ayres says:
    I met Mrs. Graves through playing basketball with her sons at Wood Acres Park. I often saw her walking the family dog, Tarheel. She was a very sweet lady. My condolences to her family and friends.