Mary "Mickey" L. Graves, 87, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Mary was born in Atlanta, GA to E. Spencer Lazarus, Jr. (deceased New Orleans) and Frances Schwab Adair (deceased Gulf Breeze). Spencer was in the U.S. Navy, so, Mary spent her time between Atlanta and New Orleans. At one time, Spencer was stationed in New York, so little Mary and her mother went to visit. An Irish policeman saw little Mary and her mother on the street and commented that Mary looked like "a little Irish Mick" and from that day forward, she became Mickey.

Mickey enjoyed many sports growing up: swimming, diving, dancing, gymnastics and tennis. She was known for her quick wit, winning smile, hardy laugh, beautiful green eyes and her gorgeous legs!

Mickey graduated from Northside High School in Atlanta in 1955. From there, she went to the University of Florida. A close friend of the family was the football recruiting coach there and was asked to show her the ropes, look after her and introduce her around. On her first day in Gainesville, she was in Coach Jones' office when a very handsome player walked by. Coach Jones called out to him and said there was someone he wanted him to meet. In walked Gene Graves. Into the office and into Mickey's life! Mickey and Gene were married on February 1, 1958. Their first child, David (deceased 1986), was born on November 29, 1959. Soon after, they moved to Gulf Breeze, FL. She became a homemaker on York Drive and became lifelong friends with the whole block. She never met a stranger. She could meet someone and within 5 minutes know everything about them! Some would call her nosy, but she was just really interested in people! She really cared.

Their second child, Dana, was born June 23, 1963. It was time for a bigger house, so, they moved to the Palmetto Road House, where she very happily remained until she died.

She became a really great tennis player and was known for her "mean backhand". She made many lifelong friends in that arena, as well. She was also a great cheerleader at the ballpark for Dana and her friends, which, of course, became Mickey's friends, too.

On June 7, 1997, the love of her life was born. Her only granddaughter, Gena Ramos. She loved her with all of her being! And, of course, back to the ballpark she went, cursing and cheering, like only Mickey could do.

She will be greatly missed by all who have known her! She was one of a kind and very memorable! Live, Laugh, Love!!

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm until a funeral service begins at 2:00pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Gulf Breeze, FL.