Graciela Chaves

Graciela Chaves, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 103 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Born on December 22, 1921, in Tena, Cundinamarca, Colombia, Graciela’s warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone around her.

As a dedicated homemaker, Graciela created a loving environment that welcomed family and friends alike. She was known for her loving nature, often putting the needs of others before her own. As an avid prayer warrior, Graciela was a long-time parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where her faith flourished deepened with each passing year.

Throughout her life, Graciela engaged in several cherished hobbies, including crocheting, cooking, and spending precious time with family. She had a deep love for animals and found joy in listening to Italian, Spanish and Colombian music.

Graciela is survived by her daughters, Maria Alcira Fernandez, Luz Mery Acosta, Gloria Gaitan (Jaime), Daisy Amanda Chaves, and Nury Esperanza Chaves; 13 grandchildren, Alvaro Jr., Diana, Pedro Jr., Julie, Carlos, Cristina, Ricardo, James, Sonia, Monica, Adrian, Paul, and Jonathan; 36 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Pedro Antonio Chaves, in 1992; her parents, Abelardo Fernandez and Maria Aya; her son, Pedro Chaves Jr.; five sisters, Tulia Fernandez, Leonor Moya, Sofia Chaves, Aleja Daza, and Rosa Fernandez, and her brother, Alejandro Chaves.

A Rosary and Prayer Service will be held at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 14, 2025, followed by a Visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Floyds Boiling Springs Chapel, 4161 SC-9, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday November 15, 2025, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 290 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302 with burial to follow in Good Shepherd Memorial Park, 4164 SC-9, Boiling Springs, SC 29316. Services will be conducted by the Rev. David R. Whitman.

Pallbearers will include Alvaro Fernandez Jr., Pedro Acosta Jr., Carlos Acosta, Richard Edmund, Ricardo Fernandez, Adrian Acosta, Paul Acosta, and Jonathan Becerra. 

The family will welcome flowers or memorials may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

Graciela Chavez will be remembered not only for her nurturing spirit and unwavering Catholic faith but also for the abundant love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.