Gregory Funeral Service | Gastonia, NC

Obituary For Ivory Graham

Ivory Mae (Glenn) Graham, 97, of Bolton, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday morning, November 8, 2020.

Mrs. Graham was born in York County, SC, the oldest child of the late Samuel and Bessie (Dulin) Glenn. Although her formal education ended in the fifth grade, she resumed her studies as an adult to obtain her high school equivalency diploma.

She worked tirelessly for over eighty years, caring for others: her children, her relatives, and her communities. Some of her jobs were babysitter, cotton picker, sharecropper, housekeeper, flower arranger, seamstress, community organizer, and food and nutrition educator. Of all the jobs she did, she enjoyed doing the Lord’s work the most. As a missionary, she visited the sick and shut-in, helped those in need, and raised money for charitable causes. She was a past president of the missionary board, a class leader, and a lay council member at Belmont AME Zion Church in Worcester, MA, and served as a missionary at her home church, Green Pond United Methodist Church in Clover, SC.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Willie Alexander Graham; her six brothers: Samuel, JW, Bill, Robert, John and Perry Glenn, and three sisters: Johnsie Brodhead, Lovenia Meeks, and Queen Tolson.

She loved her children unconditionally, and always put them first. They are Gloria (Sam) Bracey of Worcester, MA, Lemuel (Kaye) Graham of Clover, SC, Lorenia Smith of Puyallup, WA, Louis Graham of Spartanburg, SC, Linda Graham (Tobe Barksdale) of Bolton, MA, Lisa Graham and Lloyd Graham, both of Gastonia, NC. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister, Mary Patricia Andrews of Worcester, MA, and her sister-in-law, Eloise Glenn of Tacoma, WA; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ivory would often say, “If you can’t say anything nice about anyone, don’t say anything at all.” She loved everyone, and everyone who knew her, adored her.

Walk thru viewing will be on Friday; November 13, 2020 at the funeral home from 4 until 7 p.m.

Funeral: Saturday; November 14, 2020; 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church-1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia

Interment: Green Pond United Methodist Church, Clover, SC

Masks required at all services; temperatures will be taken at the church; social distancing and attendance will be monitored; funeral will be live on Gregory Funeral Service facebook page

Guest Book

My Grandmother taught me how to make a lemon pie when I was 12 years old. That moment of her will always be remembered by me. -Kendra Barksdale, youngest grandchild.

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To the Graham Family, we are sending PRAYERS and LOVE to a family that has always gave the same unconditionally and MORE. Mrs. Ivory always, I mean always met us with a WARM and WELCOMING SMILE, that let us know how PURE she was. Our deepest condolences and comfort to you all and may God bless. Verneta Lowery Friday Family, Alphonso & Martha Lowery, and Carolyn Lowery Sorli Family.

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Mama was always smiling I was one her children... Even though I lived next door... I felt her heart when I was in her presence.. Her strength will always be remembered. Love you Pamela RIP

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My Condolences to Ivy's family. May you find Peace in the Precious Memories. Beverly Spring

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I will miss her. As i have because if covid. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful mother/sister in christ. Luv you mama graham

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My condolences to all the family members of Ivory. She was a treasure and a blessing to many who knew her. May the sorrow in your heart lighten with time. Donna Spring

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My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed. Tolson Family

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The Dye's family send theirs deepest condolences to you and the family

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I Remember the first day when I came home from college with Linda and spent time in her home with her mom. She was such a light for the world her kindness, hospitality, and her love for people Stays in your soul for the rest of your life. I know She will truly, truly be missed by her family friends and those that were fortunate enough to get to know her. Debra Samuel-Ward

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Lord, continue to bless the family of a beautiful child of God and my church mother. You will be missed. Denise Means from Belmont AME Zion

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Sending love and blessings to all of the Graham family. Chief George Spring Buffalo

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Sending love and blessings to all of the Graham family. Chief George Spring Buffalo

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Sending love and blessings to all of the Graham family. Chief George Spring Buffalo

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Remembering you in thoughts and prayers. Know that many people care and are thinking about you. Reed Family

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Our deepest condolences, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Watkins Family

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The Avery Family sends our heart felt prayers, loving comfort and never ending blessings. Frankie Avery Pendergrass

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May the Lord comfort you all. Doris Watson, a cousin

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May God comfort you all at this time.

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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