Gussie Mae Young Graster

Gussie Mae Young Graster, age 78, of Middlesboro, KY, entered her Heavenly home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. She was born in Middlesboro, KY, on April 26, 1947, to the late Raymond C. (Sr.) and Lou Bertha Jones Young.

Gussie was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Middlesboro, KY. She worked for many years as a CMA at Britthaven Nursing Home, Pineville, KY, from which she retired. She was also a breast cancer survivor. Gussie was a long-time member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY, where she was a member of the Pastor’s Aid Club, the Missionary Society, and the Church Choir until her failing health would no longer allow her to continue serving as she had. Gussie loved to sing. She spent many quiet moments reading God’s Word. For fun, she enjoyed the challenge of a crossword puzzle or the creativity of a coloring page. More than anything, she delighted in spending time with her grandbabies. They were her joy.

In addition to her parents, Gussie was preceded in death by her sons, David Eugene Ruffin and Tony Don Ruffin; brother, Raymond C. Young, Jr.; and sister, June E. Mapps.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Johnny Graster; children, Crystal Hall, John Graster, and Rhonda Graster, all of Middlesboro, KY; grandchildren, Brandon Butler and Joshua Scott; great-grandsons, Taye Drake, Keaton Brooks, and Quintae Drake; special great-great-grandson, Ka’Monii Drake; step-daughter, Runada Brown; step-granddaughter, Akeeviah Betts; sisters, Loretta (Bill) Landers of Miami, FL, Evelyn (Frank) Carr of Middlesboro, KY, Debra Young of Lexington, KY, and Lisa (Miguel) Molanari of Lexington, KY; brothers, Robert Young of Morristown, TN, and Edward Young of Lexington, KY; and special friends, Karen Tigue, Buffy Dunnaville, and Ruby Maggard as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family of Gussie Mae Young Graster will receive friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow with Rev. Mark Clark presiding. Music will be provided by the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Choir and William Flannary.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family of Gussie Graster would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, KY, Innovative Renal Care Dialysis Services of Pineville, KY, Dr. Lohe, and caregiver, Trell Rhodman.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Gussie Mae Young Graster are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.