Graton BC Early, 86, of Woodstock, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025 surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 11, 1938 in Cullman, Alabama, one of eleven children born to parents, Graton and Esther (Wakefield) Early. When he was 12 years old, Graton and his family moved to the Chicagoland area, where he would remain until his passing. Graton proudly served as an SP4 in the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He married the love of his life, Jeanette Dzoba, on November 6, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois. The couple would spend 60 happy years together, during which time they raised their four wonderful daughters and spent as much time with each other as they possibly could.
A lifelong Catholic, Graton and Jeanette were longtime members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock, Illinois. Graton loved spending time outdoors, whether he was fishing, bird-watching, or just spending time in good company. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and listening to old-time country music with his wife, Jeanette. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette Early; four daughters, Bonnie (the late Tom) DiPuma, Julie Monahan (Mike Pelger), Sherry (Robert) Maag, and Lynette (Gary) Donovan; three of his siblings, Brenda Bishop, Garry Early, and Deborah (Roger) Miles; and twelve grandchildren, T.J., Gina, Ryan, Corey, Daniel, Sean, Caden, Allie, Lauren, Katie, Justin, and Emily.
In addition to his parents and son-in-law, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, little Willie, J.W., Dwayne, Betty Jean, Willodean, Rebecca and J.L.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4pm-7pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at DeFiore Funeral Home – 10763 Dundee-Huntley Rd., Huntley, Illinois 60142. Due to construction, entrance to the parking lot is only accessible via the corner of Haligus and Dundee Rd.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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I know this loss is a deep wound that is hard to accept but just thinking of the smile on Uncle BC as he reached the arms of our Lord and Savior. And the wonderful memories he left with us all.
Uncle BC was one of kindest person I have ever met. He was outgoing and always interested in how everyone was. He will be greatly missed.
What can I say about Graton? First thing is he was the BEST, when he moved to Streamwood late 70's to be my neighbor it didn't take us long to be great neighbors and great friends! We moved away to Sycamore 20 some years later but we still kept in touch. When he moved to Woodstock we got together a few times with Jeanette and Pat. Graton and I continued getting together for lunch to shoot the shit. To my great friend, I love you buddy!! You will be missed..
BC was our second cousin but we grew up together in Chicago. Our grandmother Stella Dickerson and Aunt Ester were sisters. The Early's, the Wakkfields and the Dickersons, what a bunch of hillbillies to envaid the North. BC will surely be missed by all. Dale Dickerson, Gale Dickerson Poore and Jackie Dickerson all send our condolences to the family.
My brother l love you with all my heart! This is one of the saddest times in my life! You hav e been a wonderful brother to me! Loving and caring as far back as I remember. I n the first grade you came to my room in. School and made me a cup out of a sheet of paper so I could get a drink of water. One of my fondest memories.