Lottie 'The Body' Graves Claiborne

Apr 24, 2026 - 02:21
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Lottie 'The Body' Graves Claiborne

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← Previous revision Revision as of 20:50, 23 April 2026
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Lottie was married and divorced twice, to the lieutenant and to Goose Tatum; then had a long-term relationship with businessman Robert Graves until his death; and then married a third time to Willie Claiborne, which lasted until her death. She divorced Tatum when he fathered a child by another woman, during the time that they were together. She said she lost not only a husband but a "good friend." Then she lived with Detroit businessman Graves for many years, although they never officially married. They separated briefly, something she said saddened her but she understood seeing that she traveled so much for work. But they came back together when she retired at age sixty-one. She forgave him for leaving because, she said, she loved him. Unfortunately, he died in her arms on the day of his return. He had suffered a heart attack. She then met and married Claiborne, and they were together until her death in 2020. Lottie and Willie considered each other to be "soulmates" and shared a loving twenty-five-year relationship.
Lottie was married and divorced twice, to the lieutenant and to Goose Tatum; then had a long-term relationship with businessman Robert Graves until his death; and then married a third time to Willie Claiborne, which lasted until her death. She divorced Tatum when he fathered a child by another woman, during the time that they were together. She said she lost not only a husband but a "good friend." Then she lived with Detroit businessman Graves for many years, although they never officially married. They separated briefly, something she said saddened her but she understood seeing that she traveled so much for work. But they came back together when she retired at age sixty-one. She forgave him for leaving because, she said, she loved him. Unfortunately, he died in her arms on the day of his return. He had suffered a heart attack. She then met and married Claiborne, and they were together until her death in 2020. Lottie and Willie considered each other to be "soulmates" and shared a loving twenty-five-year relationship.


Although never having children of her own, Lottie held close relationships with many of the younger people she supported and mentored. She was a lifelong sports fan, especially for Detroit teams. She also championed preserving the history of her beloved Detroit and supported the [http://detroitsound.org/ Detroit Sound Conservancy].
Although never having children of her own, Lottie held close relationships with many of the younger people she supported and mentored. She was a lifelong sports fan, especially for Detroit teams. She also championed preserving the history of Detroit and supported the [http://detroitsound.org/ Detroit Sound Conservancy].


Lottie was a devout Roman Catholic. She belonged to [https://olqhdetroit.wixsite.com/michigan Our Lady Queen of Heaven - Good Shepard Catholic Community in Detroit], regularly attending mass throughout her life.
Lottie was a devout Roman Catholic. She belonged to [https://olqhdetroit.wixsite.com/michigan Our Lady Queen of Heaven - Good Shepard Catholic Community in Detroit], regularly attending mass throughout her life.
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