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