Nellie Jo McGraw

Nellie Jo McGraw, daughter of Joshua McGowin and Frata (Griggs) McGowin, was born, November 17, 1934 in Zebra, Missouri. She departed this life, November 4, 2025, in Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of ninety years, eleven months and eighteen days.

On June 6, 1964 in Las Vegas, Nevada, she was united in marriage to Arnold McGraw. Together they shared 8 years of marriage before his passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joshua and Frata McGowin; husband, Arnold McGraw; father of her children, Pete Gore; three brothers, Jim, Buck, and Dannie McGowin; and sister, Kathrine and husband Jack Ryan.

She is survived by her children, Karen and James White and Frances Doltz; grandchildren, Kyle White and Billy Berry; brother, Buster McGowen; sister-in-law, Jean McGowen; nieces, Joy and Lowell Thomas and Rhonda and George Hanks; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Nellie was raised in Bagnell and Penny Town, Missouri. She later went on to graduate high school from School of the Osage in 1952. Following her high school graduation, in 1953 Nellie was united in marriage to her first husband, Pete Gore, in Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout her working years, Nellie worked for Campbell’s Lake House, Trans Int’l Airlines, Camdenton State Office of Family Services, but the profession she related to the most was being a devoted wife, and mother.

While living in Las Vegas, Nevada Nellie kept herself busy doing charity work, including chairing the Charity Ball for the Home of the Good Shepard School for Wayward Girls, the Heart Association, The Cancer Association, March of Dimes, and Census Taker.

Nellie made a profession of Christian faith and was a member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church and Ulman Christian Church.

In her spare time, Nellie enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading, being a good neighbor, and spending time with her grandson. In her younger years, Nellie was a good golfer, and got to meet many different celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Dale Robertson.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and a caring neighbor & friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Dale Blair Cemetery and left at the funeral home.

Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., at Jeffreys Prime Rib and Lobster, 1252 State Highway KK, Osage Beach, Missouri 65052.

Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.