Barbara Hope Graf, 85

Barbara Hope (Bearse) Graf of Middleburg, Florida, 85, transitioned to be with the Lord on June 22,2025 at 5:15 PM after combating irreparable illness in PCU care. Her loving hands were held by her two living daughters, Cheryl Keene and Sharleen Graf, as she made this journey. Barbara received prayers from the dedicated clergy of Ascension just prior to initiating comfort care and following her passing.

Arrangements to celebrate Barbara’s life are planned as follows:

· Blessed Memories Friends Gathering, 07/12/2025 at 3:00 PM, Molly Crossing, Middleburg, FL 32068

· Graveside Dedication, 07/19/2025 at 11:00 AM, Keystone Heights Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Pathway, 7304 State Route 100, Keystone Heights, FL 32656

· Celebration Of Barbara ~ Family and Friends Memory Lane,1:00 PM to dusk, South Fork Black Creek, life display, games and swimming, 3906 County Road 218, Middleburg, FL 32068

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of the following organizations in Barbara’s memory: Music Education Charity for Schools | Save The Music or Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation

Barbara’s life was a journey of wonderful experiences. She was a loving mother, musician, educator and businesswoman. Barbara held a B.A. in Music and Education from Massachusetts State College at Lowell, New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1967. It is in Lowell where she met her soulmate, John R. Graf, Jr. who preceded her in death in 2020. Barbara was an educator with the Barnstable, MA schools instilling K-12 students with a better understanding and love of music and the arts in fun and interactive ways while a teacher, director and administrator. Barbara also served as Director of Fund Raising for Children’s Arts and Ideas Foundation of Dallas, Texas supporting the need for the arts with the young. Barbara loved the Lord and remained active in worship through various congregations over the years and recently within bible study groups who held apartment-based devotion and study sessions. She led or participated in musical endeavors with the choir and worship service support for many years while still able. Being multi-denominational in her belief she spread her belief that God is love. Barbara and John held a corporation for many years whose accomplishments include one of the first college broadcasting studios for the University of Texas at Arlington, used for their school of Nursing, an international wedding broadcast over the internet before its’ time and outfitting of an ATT downlink/uplink mobile broadcasting semi-trailer. The above feast and community celebrations honor her longstanding love of hosting family and friend holiday gatherings with a joyful heart!

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband John R. Graf, Jr. and her daughter Catherine Anne (Bell, Graf) Friloux. She is survived by her daughters Cheryl Keene (John T.) and Sharleen Graf, grandchildren Justin (wife – Jennifer) Bogan, Arthur (wife – Paige) Bogan, Alyssa Biesenberger, Wyatt Hamill, Austin Hamill and Amber Hamill and great grandchildren Justin Parker Bogan, Silas Bogan and Dax Bogan, one surviving sibling, Timothy M Bearse (Elizabeth) and sister in-law Linda Kaloski, and many step grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she always kept in touch with and reached out in love.

We love you Momma and miss you dearly but know you are with us in spirit. We find peace in knowing you are free from struggle and pain.