Helen Barbara Graves

Helen Barbara (Lincoln) Graves, daughter of the late Joseph R. Lincoln and Emily (Heywood) Lincoln, was born on Thursday, August 31, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Helen received her formal education through the former Steelton-Hygienic Steelton-Highspire School District. She was employed by G.C. Murphy Restaurant and Vadelies, both located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A worrier in the faith and steadfastly committed, Helen was a devoted member of the Church of the Living God under the leadership of Pastor Kelly Deeds, where she served faithfully as an usher for more than fifty years. Helen lived life with joy, style, and unwavering love. A dedicated wife, mother, and friend, she cherished the people around her more than anything else in the world. Her love for music and dancing was well known; family members fondly recall her lightly holding the side of her skirt, ready to “break it down” whenever a good song came on. She took pride in her appearance and loved dressing beautifully, always carrying herself with elegance and confidence. Though her family affectionately claimed she “loved to cook,” Helen’s husband famously joked about her culinary adventures, including the unforgettable night when the spaghetti remained “hard as a rock.” That story became a beloved family classic, retold often with laughter and affection. Helen delighted in large family gatherings, traveling, and making memories with the people she loved. She visited the Bahamas more times than her family could ever count and enjoyed watching movies and reminiscing about stories from years gone by. Above all, she cherished family. Helen’s love extended far beyond her own children. When life demanded courage, she stepped forward without hesitation, opening her home, her heart, and her life to care for family who needed her. Her commitment never wavered, and her choices reflected a love that protected and uplifted those she cherished most. Her love for her husband was profound and enduring. Many can still hear her calling “Johnny” from the living room when she needed something from the man who spent decades faithfully at her side. Their partnership was unique, tender, and unbreakable; a love story that endured through time and now continues beyond it. Helen loved many things, but her deepest devotion was always to God. She loved Him with her whole heart and served Him faithfully until He called her home. Her faith anchored her life, and she spent countless hours in prayer, lifting her family, her friends, and anyone in need. Every act of kindness and every moment of grace reflected the strength of her relationship with the Lord. On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at eighty-six years of age, Helen passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, reunited at last with her devoted husband, John W. Graves, who preceded her in death in March 2024. Her daughter, Gwendolyn Moton Wormsley; her stepsons, Wayne Graves and Willie Graves; her sister-in-law, Louise Totten; her niece, Susie Totten; her mother-in-law, Velma Graves; her father-in-law, Claude Graves; and her parents, Joseph and Emily Lincoln. Helen’s final years were marked by resilience and grace as she faced medical challenges, lovingly and faithfully cared for by the man who adored her. The comfort in this moment comes from knowing that her husband has come to bring her home and that she now rests joyfully with him in the presence of their eternal God. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, Theresa “Teddy” Graves Ulen, Emily Morton, and Gaylynn Stewart (David); sons Stevie Lincoln, Claude “Tony” Moton, John Willie Moton, and Joseph Graves (Lauryn); 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of relatives, church family, and friends whose lives were deeply touched by her love. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS, OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 12, at WFD.

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Helen Barbara Graves

August 31, 1939 - February 3, 2026