Morgantown, WV - Cecilia Jean Graves, 69, of Morgantown, WV, passed away in her home on May 12, 2025.

Cecilia was the daughter of James and Frances Graves of Fairmont. Cecilia loved learning and dedicated her life to inspiring that same love of learning in others. She graduated salutatorian of East Fairmont High School Class of '74, obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Fairmont State College, and was part of the 1978 championship debate team at the Liberty Bell Debate Tournament defeating Harvard and the Naval Academy in the final rounds. After earning a Master's degree from Ohio

University, she was a professor and coached elite intercollegiate debate teams at James Madison University, and later pursued a PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. Returning to Morgantown, Cecilia served as an academic mentor for the West Virginia University football team, providing academic support and guidance to student athletes.

Cecilia was a small business owner, operating The Needlecraft Barn in downtown Morgantown where she sold high quality fiber arts supplies and offered classes in beginner to advanced needlework

techniques. She was a member of the Morgantown Fiber Guild and a highly accomplished knitter.

A deep commitment rooted in faith with the Catholic church guided Cecilia to be an outspoken advocate of social justice and animal welfare issues. She was an avid reader, rarely seen without a book in her hand, and an ardent supporter of public libraries and literacy. She loved all animals, providing refuge for many strays over the years. Cecilia was a guardian of the natural world and shared her love of nature with everyone she met, encouraging and inspiring friends and family to seek out meaningful connections

to the earth. She especially loved trees.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother; siblings Jim Graves, Cathy Meyer, and Cyndy Graves; brother-in-law Dave Hough, six nieces and nephews, a grandniece and grandnephew. All were very special to her.

A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., June 30, at Beverly Hills Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Please contact Ford Funeral Homes or a family member for further details.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Morgantown Public Library, Mountaineer Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP) or by planting a tree in her name.