Mary Graves

Mary Ann Vick (Vicky) Graves, 99, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025. Born in Pensacola, Florida in 1925, she was the daughter of Mary Lucille Gray Vick and Joseph James Vick, Sr.

Vicky graduated from Pensacola High School. She attended Auburn University, where she met her husband, G. Barry Graves, Jr., who predeceased her. In 1947, Vicky and Barry settled in Newport News, Virginia. She worked as a "human computer" at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' (now NASA) Langley Research Center before raising three children. When her children were somewhat older, she returned to school, graduating from the College of William and Mary in 1972, and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. She was a trailblazer among women of her generation.

Vicky relocated to Atlanta in 1979, where she practiced as a CPA, primarily with Birnbrey, Minsk, Minsk, and Perling. She was committed to the advancement of women in accounting, serving as President of the Georgia chapter of the American Woman's Society of Certified Public Accountants.

She was passionate about women's rights. She was highly involved in the campaign for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in Georgia and was distraught by the failure of the legislature to ratify the amendment. Vicky also advocated tirelessly for those with mental health issues, serving as a member of the Dekalb County Community Service Board and as Treasurer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Georgia.

Vicky was a long-time member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, where she found spiritual solace and connection with others. She served as Treasurer of both the congregation and the endowment fund. Many of her beloved friends were church members, particularly the members of her book group and Monday lunch bunch.

Vicky was always known for her keen intellect. She never stopped learning. She followed world affairs and was an avid reader of serious non-fiction throughout her life. She also had a passion for genealogy research. She was a long-time member of the Joseph Vick Family of America Genealogical Society, serving as Treasurer of the organization for many years.

Vicky cared deeply about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and never stopped thinking about their well-being. She is survived by her children, Catherine Henderson, Kenneth Graves (Iryna Graves), and Laura Graves (Gary Powell), four grandchildren (Jim Henderson and Thomas, Joseph, and Danylo Graves), and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Joseph James Vick, Jr. and Arthur Jacob Vick. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her deep love of her family and engagement in the community continues to be an inspiration to all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Georgia (namiga.org) or to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (uuca.org).