Cicely Mcgraw

Cicely Anne Delapp McGraw was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on a frigid, 30th day of January in 1928, to parents George Leslie Delapp and Ardyce Case DeLapp. On the 18th day of June, 2016, a warmish midwestern day, Cicely passed away in Blue Springs, Missouri. The period between those two dates saw a life full of accomplishment and achievement in a world full of turmoil and change.

Cicely moved with her family to Independence, MO in 1931 where she grew and attended school, ultimately graduating from William Chrisman High School with the class of 1945. She recalled that growing up as one of three children of the long-serving Bishop of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, had fewer privileges and perks than challenges. She married Robert P. McGraw in 1949. They had three children together, Robert Paul McGraw, Jr, Steven Leslie McGraw and David Michael McGraw. A life-long student in a variety of subjects, Cicely excelled at art and mathematics, and though her early college career was cut short to enable her husband to complete her husband’s dental school training, she resumed her educational pursuits after the birth of their second child, Steven Leslie, and ultimately earned majors in math, French, and English literature, the subject for which she was awarded a Bachelors degree from William Jewel College.

As an adult and while raising a family and working part time as a draftsman, Cicely went on to complete her degree in Architecture at the University of Kansas School of Architecture. As an Architect, Cicely worked privately for some years, but found a late career as an architect with the Army Corps of Engineers where she said she was challenged every day with new and interesting things to do.

Cicely was an avid and prolific artist, a supporter of the American Cancer Society, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. She is survived by her sons, David Michael McGraw, Steven Leslie McGraw, his wife Melanie and their son, Sean Michael McGraw and daughter, Mallory Rose McGraw, Dr R. Paul McGraw, and his wife Dr. Nancy Newhouse and their daughter Lauren Elizabeth McGraw. Additionally, she is survived by her younger brother George L. Delapp of Independence, Missouri.

A memorial service will be held in Cicely Anne Delapp McGraw’s honor at the Good Shepherd Congregation of the Community of Christ Church on Saturday, July 16th at 2pm. The church is located at 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd, in Kansas City, MO.

Rather than flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Manor or the Alzheimers Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.