Mary Charlene Graham

Mary Charlene Graham passed into eternity on May 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. Her last weeks were full of many friends and family, visiting to share laughter and tears and memories past. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Jimmy Charles Graham, infant son William Charles, son-in-law Tim Dement, grandson Larit Graham and her parents, Charlie and Mary Thompson. Survivors are children Tracy Dement, Shely (Jeff) Baldwin, Ashlia (Rocky) Lankford, Rowdy (Lashawn) Graham, Britt (Jill) Clay, Cooper Graham and Cheyenne Graham. She is also survived by her sister Joan (Nicky Don) Cleveland and her dog Dottie. Charlene was born in Jacksonville on December 23, 1947. She attended school in Rusk until January 7, 1966, when she eloped with Jimmy. Charlene then followed her husband to numerous brick-laying jobs across Florida and Texas. Their family grew over the next twenty years and so did her travels. She and Jimmy hauled their kids to hundreds of rodeos, playdays, ropings and buckouts. She mothered many many kids over the years; Graham Hill was a favorite place for the extensive family. Roping and riding were daily activities while Mama prepared at least a hundred thousand pots of beans, chili and cornbread. She worked as a medication aide and pharmacy technician over many years, at the Alto nursing home, TDC and Rusk State Hospital, until retiring in 2006. Mama loved her role as “Granny” to the next generation. She and Daddy loved on their grandkids and great grandkids every chance possible: grandkids Duncan Clay, Bailey (Dakota) Holder, Emmy (Ben) Moore, Jimmielynn (Dustin) John, Kolt Dement, Brandi (Gary) Wilson, Madelene Baldwin, Kaleb Baldwin, Chasidy (Dalton) Mabry, Dawson Lankford, Katlynn (Josh) Klores, Kade McDonald, Kelton McDonald, Austin Shuptrine, Taylor (Harley) Staton, Mickey Lloyd, Christopher Lloyd and great grandkids Gauge Wilson, Graceland Wilson, Aubree John, Logan John, Charlee Kate Mabry, Brody Staton and Case Graham. Granny and Papa always had enough love for one more. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always special at Granny and Papa’s house. She loved big family get-togethers and the chance to bake the world’s greatest pound cake from her grandmother’s recipe. No one ever went hungry at the Graham’s home. She called everybody “sugar” all day long. A memorial service will be held in her honor on June 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff of the Arbors and Hospice of East Texas for the wonderful care provided to Charlene in her last days. “If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems. Her husband can trust her and she will richly satisfy his needs. She will not hinder him, but help him all her life…She sews for the poor and generously gives to the needy…She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age…She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy. Her children stand and bless her and so does her husband.” Proverbs 31 (TLB)

Mary Charlene Graham

December 23, 1947 - May 28, 2024