On Saturday December 23, 1961, God answered the prayers of Bob and Mae when a beautiful baby girl finally entered the world. Born Christine Denise Clark, she was affectionally known as "Tina". She was a vibrant soul full of love and life. She was the youngest of three with Junior being the oldest and Calvin in the middle.

Louisa was her home. She was born there, raised there, and went to school there. Tina had fond memories of her days being down grannies. She graduated Louisa County High School in the class of 1980. She also took courses at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College. Tina made her parents very proud.

Like every other girl in the world, Tina fell in love. She married James Eugene Graves on Saturday September 28, 1985. He affectionately called her "Chris". God blessed them with two children, Tiff and Phil. She loved her family and her world revolved around her kids. On the weekends she was found at Lena's and then later in the car riding with Tiff. And she lived for the moments when they all were together. She poured everything she had to give into them. They made her life complete.

She was an ambitious soul who was absolutely captivated by the working girl on TV. The idea of life in the city excited her but being in the country settled her. God blessed her and gave her the best of both worlds. She commuted to Fredericksburg and Stafford five days a week to get to the job she loved working for the CIA. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke about her life in "the know". After 33 faithful and committed years of service, God blessed her with retirement.

Tina was a warm sweet spirit that loved God. She worshipped faithfully at Divine Baptist Church with her family. She sang on the choir in her formative years, but Tina was an usher. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a hug. Later she served as a Deaconess and Treasurer. Recently she began teaching Sunday School and she had a real passion for it. She was a lifelong learner hungry for knowledge and understanding of the word of God.

On Saturday February 22, 2020 at 12:41am her heart was open and her spirit was ready. She was rejoined with her mother, Lillie Mae Thurston Clark and father, Robert Lee Clark Sr. She also was greeted by her two nephews, Sergio Clark and Travis Clark as well as her father in law Rev. James Graves and niece Angel Graves.

Carrying her in their memories are her husband James Eugene Graves who she affectionately called "Gene", her daughter Tiffany Nicole Graves "Tiff" and her son Phillip Sherrod Graves "Phil". Her brothers, Robert Lee Clark Jr. "Junior" (Emily), Calvin James Clark (Louise). Her niece Ashley Danielle Clark and nephews Robert Lee Clark III (Danielle) and Christopher Jordan Clark. As well as her great nieces Arielle Simone Clark and Synai Monae Clark. Her aunts, Pastor Fannie Henderson (Nathaniel), Gracie Smith (Johnny), Joanne Brice, Alice Christmas (Robert), Geraldine Ragland (Esmo), Bernice Redd, and Karen Thurston. Her uncles, Eldridge Thurston "Pete" (Jenny) and Kelly Clark (Dorothy). Her mother in law, Naomi Graves. Her brother in law, Lawrence Graves. Her sisters in law, Eunice Graves, Diane Graves, Darlene Graves, and Doris Graves. Her nephews, Lawrence Desper "Tony", Joshua Desper, Isiah Graves, and Elijah Graves.

Chris loved a good conversation and she never met a stranger. She had an infectious laugh and a way with words where she always told it like as it was. Tina was an encourager. With her gentle ways and encouraging words, she deposited love and hope into everyone she met. She could also work a potato. Holidays were made with her sweet potato pies, candied yams, and potato salad. When you asked her how she was, she always said, "I'm hanging in there". She lived, she laughed, and she loved. And now she is home, free from pain and all of life's struggles, resting in the arms of Jesus. May she forever sleep in peace.