Beatrice Arnita Mills Graham, 84, of Fredericksburg passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, peacefully with her family by her side.

Arnita was born May 22, 1928, on Doswell Field, one of 11 children to the late John Henry Mills and Ida Carr Mills.

She was the devoted wife of William Roger Graham, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Jennings and Ruby Hall; and six brothers, John D., Frank, Harold "Moses," Billy "Boyd," George and Harvey Mills.

A native of Fredericksburg, she was proud of her family roots in the Doswell Field community. Family was always important to Arnita. At an early age she left school to care for her mother, keep house and care for her younger siblings. With six brothers in the military at one time, Arnita always made sure their home was ready for all of the weekend furloughs. Later in her adult life she tirelessly cared for other family members and her late husband.

Arnita was a member of Falmouth Baptist Church, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and the American Legion. She worked at G&H Manufacturing Co. and retired from Goolrick's drugstore as a pharmacy clerk.

She is survived by a sister, Frances Schooler and her husband, Lauman, of Falmouth; and a brother, Charles W. Mills and his wife, Barbara, of Spotsylvania County. Frances Jean and Charlie were her loving caregivers in recent years. Survivors also include a cousin by marriage, Heather Campbell and her daughter, Emma, along with a number of special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arnita was blessed to have many longtime friends with whom she kept in close contact and helpful neighbors who were good to her.

The family appreciates the loyal support and visits from members and staff of Falmouth Baptist Church, Fredericksburg Baptist Church and Church of God of Prophecy White Oak Ministries, as well as the staff of Hughes Home and Mary Washington Hospice for their tender and loving care during recent months.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Falmouth Baptist Church, Fredericksburg Baptist Church or Church of God of Prophecy White Oak Ministries.

Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.