Funeral Services for JSU Freshman Caitlin Graeff

Caitlin Graeff

The following article was reprinted in its entirety, with permission, from the Anniston Star.

Funeral services for Miss Caitlin Victoria Rebecca Graeff, age 18, of Anniston, will be at on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Parker Memorial Baptist Church. The family will receive friends this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel.

Caitlin is survived by her parents, Glenna Grimes and David Graeff; brothers, Conner, Colin, and Cameron Graeff; grandparents, Patricia and Ed Graeff, Jan Cheatham, and John and Gladys Losten; aunts, Natalie Swanson, Shelly Giles, and Joan Hughes; cherished adopted aunts, Sandy Barnett, Mary Rothschild, Carole Perry, and Karen Thorn; and uncles, John Graeff, Ed Graeff, and Bill Graeff.

Caitlin has been a shining star since the day she was born — a pristine star that truly belonged in the heavens, but that God blessed us with for 18 short years. She is the daughter that every mother and father dream of having. She was raised mainly in Phoenix, Arizona, but also lived in San Diego, California, for a short while.

She spent so much time on the east coast, though, that her mother's home felt like home to her. She was happiest at the beach, with friends and family, when dancing ballet, or playing soccer. Her natural vocal talent was not even discovered until our move to Anniston, Alabama, one and a half years ago.

She was homeschooled for 10 years, and her favorite part of that was the field trips she took. Whether it was New York City, Williamsburg, London, or Paris, she was fascinated with art, science, and beauty in any form. She was enjoying her freshman year at JSU, having been awarded a voice scholarship. Music was paramount in her life. People were immediately struck by her beauty, but then when they got to know her, they couldn't help but see that her true beauty came from her humble spirit. She dreamed of using her talents for God's glory, and everyone who met her commented that she was destined for Hollywood or New York.

However, God saw fit for our precious little girl to skip the dress rehearsal, and he put her in the most appropriate setting for a true star. She was brought into this world on a Sunday, and our Lord chose to take her home on a Sunday. She inspired us all with her favorite verse: Romans 12: 1&2. Her goal in life was to strive to please her Lord every day. It is a comfort to know that she is waiting for us in heaven. Because of her, we'll always have "sunshine on a cloudy day, when it's cold outside, we'll have the month of May."

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.klbrownmemorychapel.com Arrangements by: K.L. Brown Memory Chapel, 620 Golden Springs Road, Anniston, AL 36207; (256) 231-2334.

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