Gearldine Graham Obituary

Services for Gearldine Graham, 90, of Lone Grove, are scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Lone Grove with Rev. Bill Black officiating. Interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

Gearldine Taylor Graham, a beloved wife, mother, granny, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 90 years and 16 days.

Born on June 16, 1935, in Rubottom, Oklahoma, to Ernest and Agatha Taylor, Gearldine was raised with small-town values that guided her through a life of faith, service, and deep love for her family. She attended Courtney Schools, graduating as the only girl in a class of four. She later attended Murray State College, where she met the love of her life, Tim Graham. The story goes that when Tim first spotted her across campus, he turned to his friends and said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” And he did. Gearldine lived a remarkable life filled with faith, friendship, and adventure. She made friends everywhere she went, calling home not only various cities across the United States but also distant places like Iran and Venezuela. Wherever she landed, she found a church family and opened her heart to those around her. As her children grew older, Gearldine entered the workforce. Her most cherished role was serving as the administrator of the Seafarer’s Center at the Port of Long Beach, California. There, she wore many hats—organizing exclusive fundraiser dinners, meeting with ship captains from around the world, and leading board meetings with wisdom and poise. It was a calling that brought her great joy as she approached retirement. After returning to Oklahoma, Gearldine embraced her most treasured role—being “Mother” and “Granny.” She rarely missed a grandchild’s ballgame, hosted lively family gatherings at her home, and spent weekends camping at Lake Texoma with her children and their friends. If a boat was headed out to check trotlines, she was on it—eager for adventure and laughter. Gearldine was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Lone Grove First Baptist Church, attending regularly until her health no longer allowed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Tim Graham; her parents, Ernest and Agatha Taylor; her father and mother-in-law, Tim and Bessie Graham; her sister and brother-in-law, Truman and Imogene Hudson; her daughter-in-law, Sandee Graham; and her beautiful great-granddaughter, Hollie Wright; along with other cherished loved ones.

Gearldine is survived by her sons: Tim Graham Jr. and wife Jaquita of Piedmont, Oklahoma; Brian Graham of Lone Grove; and her daughters: Brenda Wright and husband Frankie of Lone Grove, and Karen Amante and husband Dave of Newcastle. Her grandchildren include Roger Graham, David Graham, Jeffrey Wright, Dylan Wright, Brandon Seals, Matthew Seals, Jessica Snelling, Hannah Visor, Kara Idleman, Kevin Price, and Christopher Amante. She was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren and is survived by two nieces and two nephews.

Gearldine Taylor Graham lived her life with purpose, humility, and steadfast love. Her warmth, her stories, and her strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Pallbearers are grandsons, Roger Graham, David Graham, Jeffrey Wright, Dylan Wright, Jessica Snelling, and Matthew Seals. Honorary Pallbearers are granddaughters, Hannah Visor, and Brandon Seals.

Visitation will be held in Wilson at Alexander/Gray Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, July 8 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Love and thanks to Leighann Foster. Cross Timbers Hospice, and the Staff at Elmbrook for the care and love they used while caring for our precious mother.