Pastor Marvin McGraw

Pastor Marvin moved through his life keeping his hands to the plow &
succeeded in most challenges that came before him. He was a vibrant and exciting young man that drew so many people as he was a "Leader" not a Follower. Marvin was also a fantastic Dancer and loved to hand-dance and also
a Player &Smooth Operator. Motivator &Athlete who wa always admired by many "Especially the Women". He was the 5th of 7siblings and out of the seven, His only sister Toni was near and dear to his heart.


He was a motivated athlete who was always admired in High School (especially by the girls). During High School "The McGraw Men" were popular, sought after and Great Athletes. His greatest passion (before Christ and Debbie) was basketball. Marvin loved &pursed the game throughout his youth. His drive and passion led him all the way to an acceptance by the New York Knicks. While commuting back and forth to NY he encountered a career ending car accident that ended his potential career. Marvin loved all forms of sports passionately the two that were his favorite was basketball and football. His next passion was always westerns; especially Gunsmoke where he had watched every episode.

Marvin McGraw was "ALWAYS" a Giver" and fi you quote his Brother Kenny who was only two years younger he would say "As far as he could remember he was always putting people before his self". His Love Language was demonstrating service as a way of showing his love.

After graduating from High School Marvin joined the Army in 1969 where he served as a Military Police Officer (MP) and completed three years with an honorable discharge. He returned to Cleveland to visit relative as he was between tours and on his way to WestPoint Academy. Upon arrival he stumbled/found the one and only love of his life Debbie Wise. He was immediately smitten and proclaimed "Who is this fine woman that knows my name but Idon't know hers. She's gonna be my wife". Marvin diligently perused her and eventually she stopped running, they fell in love and married on October 14, 1972. Of this union two children were born (twins) Monique Renee and Marvin Raymond Jr.

As they grew together they began their journey thru life growing and overcoming the good and the bad but always together. They worked hard in unity as long as they had each other there wasn't anything they couldn't accomplish. Always lifting each other up with vision and determination to having a full and adventurous lift until death do they part. During their journeys they weathered many storms as over comers and eventually together they found and committed their lives to Christ as they were led to charting a new course in life. They were committed to one another in allowing Christ to be that third strand in their relationship as they moved together in becoming one.

They lived together in honesty, truth and faithfulness to God and each other. They grew into Christ their lives began to soar in blessings. In the next chapter o their lives God promoted the two of them to ministry vessels that allowed Him to use them mightily to do His will and the many gifts He gave them to advance His kingdom. As their course was set by God He also opened so many doors and many opportunities for His servants. He opened up heaven and poured upon them so many blessings they couldn't keep up with them.

Together they traveled extensively pursuing the beauty of God's world. In their travels they encountered people from all over the world; always getting opportunities to share the Word and to pray with people from all over. In their travels they covered practically the entire Caribbean region. Together they experienced Paris France, French Riviera, London England, Spain, Rome Italy, the Hawaiian Islands, Portugal, various U.S. states and so many more world destinations. They were determined to see as much as God's beautiful world as possible, always together.

Marvin accepted Christ and was later called to shepherd and minister to God's people and as a result B.L.E.S.S Ministry was formed Marvin realized this was his true and perfect assignment from God and began to move passionately, faithfully and fiercely as a true vessel of honor for our Lord and Savior. He knew this was his true purpose as God had raised him up for such a time as this and he was ready! He began pursuing God's word on a daily basics spending hours with his Lord. He stayed in the Word with a discipline that he acquired in the military.

His passions lead him on many adventures and the skills he acquired from building homes with the Amish, led him to pursue his own business. He received his associates' degree in business and obtain licenses to start McGraw and Son Home Improvement Company. His motto was "Come to the best and be Blessed". He never missed one day reading the Bible, praying for people teaching the Word to any and all who had an ear to hear. He spent and dedicated hours communing with God feverishly. He was built for this mission and was called to be a solider of God. God instructed Him to teach and rightly discern His Word and share himself in advancement of God's kingdom.

Debbie was also called to teach the Word to God's women and assist her husband in his newly found purpose. Above all his passions even his earthly bride he loved God first. As they continued to become as one, they both began to love God with all their hearts, minds and souls. The man and woman of God began to hunger for holiness and to be useable by our Lord and Savior and became united in the call.


Marvin was preceded in death by his father Wilbert, mother Ersaline, brothers Lee (Junior) and Sullivan. Left to cherish his memory is his wife and helpmate of fifty-four years Debbie McGraw, daughter Monique Renee and son Marvin Raymond Jr. Grandchildren Techawn, Carlin, Traniece, Kalub and Bria and one great grandson. Sister, Pastor Toni McGraw, Brother Wilbert (Joyce), Pastor Kenneth (Gail) and Pastor Darryl (Linda) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.

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