Shirley Ann Graham, 76 - Travelers Rest

Shirley Ann Barnett Graham 76, went home to be with her heavenly father on Friday December 28, 2018. She was a devoted wife, treasured mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She was loved by so many people - including her church family at Travelers Rest Second Baptist, formerly known as Set Free Community Church. She was an active member of her church and loved her church family as much as her own. She had a loving, meek spirit, and was in constant prayer for all of those she loved and cared for. Shirley was employed by JPS Glass Fabrics as a lab technician for over 40 years and retired from there in 2004. She loved her work family and thought of them as such. She considers her coworker, Priscilla (Pris) Ann Tinney Mullinax, as a sister and beloved friend of whom she has maintained a friendship with; since the young age of 6 years old. Shirley and Priscilla have developed a friendship that has truly lasted a lifetime.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Hoyt Thurman Graham. She loved him deeply and was not only his wife but his friend. Shirley met the love of her life at the age of 16 on a blind date. They dated for two years, and shortly after her 18th birthday eloped to become husband and wife. They spent 40 years enjoying their lives together and had many hobbies. One of their favorites was spending time on the lake. Shirley and Hoyt spent many days at their lake house enjoying their favorite pastime, fishing on their boat. It was the quiet peaceful talks that drew them so close and strengthened their love.

She was also predeceased by her parents Jesse Lee Barnett and Daisy Elminee Johnson Barnett, and nine of her siblings, Douglas Elmore Barnett, Dorothy Lee Barnett Buchanan, Negil Barnett, Lionel Scott “Tony” Barnett, Wallace Bill Barnett, Nellie Ruth Barnett Holt, Sylvia Jean Barnett Short, Alvin Barnett, and Richard Clifton Barnett.

Shirley was predeceased by a grandson Jadan Graham Howard. She was able to hold her grandson one time after his birth, and is now able to hold him in heaven, alongside her family and friends. Shirley had a unique love for her grandchildren, and nothing would make her smile more than they. She will enjoy sharing her heavenly home with Jadan by her side.

Shirley is survived by two children, Hoyt Keith Graham and Cynthia Ann Graham Howard, as well as a daughter in law Connie Lee Timmons Graham, and a son in law Thomas Melville Howard IV, five grandchildren, Chrissy Leanne Graham Taylor, Kasey Marcelle Graham, Caitlyn Defaris Howard, Tristan David Howard, and Jordan Isaac Howard (her little Rat), a grandson in law, Matthew Daniel Taylor, and four great grandchildren, McKayla Cheyenne Lesley, Brayden Hoyt Lesley, Aleeha Shay Hannan, and Raelynn Keith Graham. Her grandchildren were her joys in life and she would shake heaven in prayer for them. She played a unique role in leading some of them to the Lord. She was their sitter and they spent many hours and days with her. She instilled in them the love of Christ and exhibited that on her daily walk.

She is also survived by one sister Hazel Carlene Barnett Hamlette and brother in law Jimmy Dale Hamlette, and sisters in law Dinah Louise Duncan Barnett, Clara Estelle Bolt Barnett, Carolyn Patricia McKinney Barnett, Geisla Wessel Barnett, and Patty Imogene Graham Thomas and thirty-three nieces and nephews, six of which are predeceased.

A visitation will be held on Thursday January 3, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the Howze Mortuary in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

Funeral services will be held on Friday January 4, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Marietta First Baptist Church in Marietta, South Carolina with a graveside service to follow at Coleman Memorial Cemetery in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

You are invited to a reception at Marietta First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and Parlor following the graveside service.

The family will be at the home of Cynthia Howard.

The Graham and Howard families would like to thank you all for your condolences and support. Online condolences may be expressed here.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements.