Mary Graham

Mary Allene Graham, age 60, of Ithaca, MI passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Ithaca, MI on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:00 A.M., with Mr. Barry Palmer leading the service. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. A lunch will be held at the Ithaca Community Center at noon. A private burial will be later in the day.
Mary was welcomed into a happy family in Alma, Michigan on February 4, 1951, the daughter of Duane A. and Elizabeth "Florence" Atholene (KcKnight) Davis. She was blessed with a happy childhood filled with loving family and friends. Mary graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1969. On September 1, 1972 Mary married her soul mate Robert Graham in Ithaca, Michigan. She was lovingly received into Bob's large, happy family of mom, dad, four sisters, four brothers, and later six in-laws. She felt very fortunate to have had these kind, fun, and caring people in her life for so many years.
Mary's parents encouraged and valued education and insisted on college. Central Michigan University was the perfect fit for her, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1973. She also received her teaching certification from N.E. Missouri State University in 1974. Her education provided her with opportunities that brought her much happiness and fulfillment. Mary taught high school Biology and Chemistry, and was an Adult Ed and substitute teacher, and an Elementary science curriculum aide. She worked for the Ithaca Public Schools for 24 years.
She was very proud of her four children and all the amazing things they accomplished. Her wish- that she felt was realized - was for her children to love and be loved and experience the joy of deep devotion that she did with Bob. She loved watching her children and grandchildren grow and change and learn. Mary resided most of her life in Ithaca, Michigan. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church Ithaca, MI.
She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert Graham of Ithaca, MI, two daughters; Elizabeth and Barry Palmer of Ithaca, MI, Kathleen and Aaron Draper of Harker Heights, TX, two sons; Matthew and Melanie Graham of Jacksonville, AR, Robert and Danielle Graham of Holly, MI, two granddaughters, Madeline Graham and Keira Draper, two brothers, Jim and Dorothy Davis of Washington, and John Davis of Ithaca, MI, and many dear nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents, and sister-in-law Patricia Davis.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Ithaca Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, the Aaron Palmer Scholarship fund at Ithaca High School or to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes in Ithaca, Michigan.

Read Mary Graham's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.