Jante Deonte Graves

Jante Deonte Graves was born on October 20, 1996, to Allison Graves and the late John Graves Jr. He departed this life on June 13, 2026.

Jante attended Durham Public Schools and later graduated from Kittrell Job Corps Center. He dedicated nine years of service as a Food Service Worker at the Durham VA Medical Center, where he was known for his strong work ethic, warm personality, and ability to brighten the day of everyone he encountered.

To know Jante was to know laughter. He was a natural comedian whose humor could light up any room. No matter the circumstance, he had a way of making people smile and forget their troubles, if only for a moment. His gift for bringing joy to others led him to pursue stand-up comedy in his spare time, sharing his jokes and infectious spirit at local comedy clubs.

Above all else, Jante's greatest joy in life was being a father. His son, Mehki, was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment they spent together. Jante loved his son deeply and took great pride in being his father.

Jante was preceded in death by his father, John Graves Jr.; his brother, JaVaun Graves; and his grandfather, Clarence Harris.

Jante leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving mother, Allison Graves (Harris) of Louisburg, North Carolina; his beloved son, Jante “Mehki” Graves, and Mehki’s mother, Kiana Royster, of Durham, North Carolina; his sisters, Bianca Jones (Jay) of Franklinton, North Carolina, and Jessica Currie of Durham, North Carolina; his brothers, Gregory Currie (Kyandra) of Concord, North Carolina, and John Graves III of Durham, North Carolina; and his grandmother, Marion Bailey of Durham, North Carolina.

In addition, he is lovingly remembered by three nephews, Jhamari Barton-Graves, Gregory Currie III, and Zachariah King; two nieces, Journee Jones and Bella Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Jante’s laughter, love, and unforgettable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of joy, kindness, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day."

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