Elder Alton Graves

Elder Alton Graves, 66 passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. The Viewing will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10 am to 11 am at First Baptist Church, located at 401 Houston Street, Levelland, Texas and Homegoing Celebration will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the City of Levelland Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5 pm to 6 pm at Griffin Mortuary. Elder Alton Graves was born on March 17, 1959, in Tahoka, Texas, to Shirley Gene (Brown) Graves and Tommy Lee Graves. From an early age, he accepted Christ and began a lifelong journey of faith marked by service, humility, and deep devotion to God and His people. He was a proud graduate of Tahoka High School, Class of 1978.

A gifted and dynamic drummer, Alton used his musical talents to uplift and inspire congregations wherever he served. His passion for worship extended far beyond music, as he answered the call to ministry at a young age. He began his ministry under the late W. T. Thomas at Trinity Church of God in Christ in Levelland, Texas. He later faithfully served as an elder and adjutant for the Texas Northwest Jurisdiction under the leadership of the late Bishop William H. Watson II.

Following his calling, Alton began pastoring Loving Chapel in Tahoka, Texas. Through his leadership, compassion, and commitment to ministry, he made a lasting impact on the lives of those he served. His heart for service extended beyond the church, as he also dedicated himself to public service. Alton proudly served as City Councilman for District B in Levelland, Texas, from 1992 to 2003. During his tenure, he served on various boards for the City of Levelland, always working to uplift his community and improve the lives of others.

On February 22, 2010, Alton married Berlinda Ward. He later relocated to Pearland, Texas, where he continued to walk faithfully in his calling and serve God with the same dedication and purpose that defined his life. He became a devoted member of Island of Hope Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Prince Bryant Sr., where he served with consistency, humility, and love, remaining committed to ministry until his passing.

Alton was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Gene (Brown) Graves and Tommy Lee Graves, and his brothers, Tommy Lewis Graves and Rickie Lynn Graves.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Berlinda Ward-Graves; his sons, Antoine Graves and Alston Graves (Luisa) of Levelland; his daughters, Sheila Martin of Lubbock and NaKeshia Bibbs (Chance) of San Antonio; seven grandchildren, Kiahra, Hailey, Zyion, Zekai, Tatiyana, Chance Jr., and Kennedy; and two great-grandchildren, Aaliyah and Miranda. He is also survived by his brothers, Tony Graves, David Graves (Joann), and Calvin Graves (Darcy); his sister, Michelle Risher (Avery); along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Alton Graves will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose life reflected service, worship, leadership, and genuine love for others. His legacy continues through the many lives he touched and the communities he faithfully served.