Brenda “Sissy” Graves 65, passed away on December 31, 2021, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital surrounded by family.  Born on May 10, 1956, and a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Marie McNair Graves.  She attended the City of Poughkeepsie School District.  For over 3 decades “Sissy” operated a successful food pantry out of her house, serving the Community of Poughkeepsie, and was awarded a...

  Brenda “Sissy” Graves 65, passed away on December 31, 2021, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital surrounded by family.  Born on May 10, 1956, and a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Marie McNair Graves.  She attended the City of Poughkeepsie School District.  For over 3 decades “Sissy” operated a successful food pantry out of her house, serving the Community of Poughkeepsie, and was awarded a plaque for her service. 

  “Sissy” was a magnet to all types of people white, black she did what she could for anybody that’s what made her “special” to the young and old.  She was always giving cookouts and celebrated special occasions with family, friends from everywhere, she didn’t care, she would feed anybody who was hungry.  She was called “The Mayor” in our family because she knew everything about anything.  She will be sorely missed in our family and community.

  She leaves to mourn a daughter Colleen King and a son Christopher Graves of Albany, sons Larry, Lamont, Johnathan and Joshua Graves of Poughkeepsie, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild: a sister Sophia Bellamy of Poughkeepsie, 3 sisters Toni, Dorothy Mae, and Phalise Graves in Daytona Beach Florida, 2 brothers William “Man” Graves Jr., Richard Graves.  She was predeceased by a brother Wilford Graves of Florida

  Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 11, 2022, from 10am to 11am at Bethel Church of God and Christ, 91 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 with going home services starting at 11am.  Burial to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So Hamilton St Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-452-1840. To send online condolences visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org