Gregory Funeral Service | Gastonia, NC

Obituary For Ida Graham

Ida Mae Bratton Graham, was called to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the age of 96, after battling cancer. She was sleeping soundly at her home when she received her heavenly wings. Mrs. Graham loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Epworth United Methodist Church. Mrs. Graham was the daughter of the late John and Mary Bratton. Her playmates on the farm in York, SC were her brothers and sisters: Azalea, Pauline, Sakes, Irene, Ellree, Floree, Mable, Clyde, Floyd, Avery and Frank. Mrs. Graham attended school in Clover, SC. While she worked in several different capacities, in her later years before retiring, she worked caring for others. Some of the recognitions and honors that were bestowed on Mrs. Graham, include being honored during a Mother’s Day celebration for being the oldest member and mother of the Epworth Church, receiving a 90th birthday card from President Obama and having five generations from six of her children.

Mrs. Graham, was well-known for her cooking talents and she loved to dress up. She loved her house to be filled with family and friends especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. She always wanted to make sure that people had enough food to eat when they visited her or at events when she provided entrees and desert. At church and at family and friend events, her peach cobbler or apple cobbler was sought out by all. And, as often as she could, the avid fisherwoman would be found at a lake or pond with a pole in her hand, catching fish to be cooked later. Mrs. Graham’s love of cooking and fishing have been passed along to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. Although Mrs. Graham loved to cook and fish, nothing topped her love for her family! She was married to the late Marshall Henry Graham. Their union was blessed with 10 children. She was so proud of her children. She often talked about how her children never were in trouble with the law.

Mrs. Graham was affectionately called Mama by her children, Grandma and Big Grand by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren and Aunt Wom by some nieces and nephews. Now, that God has called Mrs. Graham home, a huge void has been created in the hearts of those who loved her, especially her family. Her children are: James Henry (the late Joyce) Graham, Kelly (Carolyn) Graham, the late Robert Earl Graham, all of Gastonia; John Marshall (Patricia) Graham of Charlotte, Mary Eleanor (Ronald) Floyd of Gastonia, John Alfred (Carolice) Graham of Mt. Holly, Margie Boyce, Paulette (Virgil) Burroughs, Wanda Faye Graham, and Michael Anthony (Wanda) Graham of Gastonia. Mrs. Graham’s lineage includes 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends all are mourning her.

A walk through visitation will be held on Friday; October 16, 2020 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church on Linwood Road in Gastonia.

A private graveside service will be held on October 17, 2020 for family.

Mask required at all services; live at 1:00 Saturday on Gregory Funeral Service facebook page

Guest Book

To the entire Graham family. We can have the full confidence that "the father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." 2 Corithians 1:3 Will sustain you during this difficult time.

- na

Graham family, "May the warm winds of heaven blow gently on your family's houses, and may the great spirit bless all who enter. May your Mom"s moccasins make happy tracks in many snows, and may her rainbow touch you and your family's shoulders today and always throughout your life's.. With Love and Great Respect, Your cousin always" Chief George Spring Buffalo , Ann, Derek ,Tiffany and Vanessa IMG_3434.JPG

- na

What a beautiful soul God has taken home. One whose smile was so bright it would light up a darkened room. One who had so much love in her heart, it embraced practically everyone she came in contact with. God be with you all right now because whatever you need, He will provide. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Patricia Glenn Smarr

- na

We are truly sadden to hear of the loss of your Beloved Mom, that we affectionately called Ida Mae. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We share fond memories of her and our Dad and his siblings at our Family Reunions through the years, The joy and fun she brought to us all will never be forgotten. Children of Roy & Elmina Bratton

- na

Our deepest condolences to the Graham family. May loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Watkins Family

- na

God always take the best and he knows when and how so lean on him in the days ahead and when you have those moments of missing her rely on the happy times and she will always be in your heart Laura Mae Smith Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Gastonia

- na

To the Graham family, "God picked a beautiful rose from his garden." My condolences to you at this time of your loss and my dear cousin Ida Mae Graham. Truly she was a lady that was always happy. She Loved her family so dearly. So RIP cousin Ida Mae because you're now resting in the arms of the Lord.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Gregory Funeral Service | Gastonia, NC