Mattie Graham

Mattie Dear Graham was born November 29th, 1927, in Utica, Mississippi to Luther and Pearlie Dear.  She was the youngest of three siblings.  Her sister and brother proceeded her in death.

 The family moved to Helena, Arkansas.  There she attended Eliza Miller Junior High School.  She confessed in Christ at the age of (10) ten and joined the Galilee M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Gilgore.  She later joined the Morning Star M.B. Church under the leadership of the late John Debro.  She moved to Chicago in March 1944 and united with St.  Paul M.B. Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend J.H. Irwin.

 She finished her education at Du Sable High School and Loop Junior College (now known as) Harold Washington Junior College.  She was united in Holy matrimony in 1948 to the late Alonzo Graham from that union (2) two sons were born Melvin and Maurice.  Melvin preceded her in death. 

She united with the Zion Hill M.B. Church in February 1983 under the leadership of Reverend George W. Waddles Sr.   She was very active in the church.  She was a member of the Sunday School, Emma Baker Circle and the Missionary Society.  She served on the usher board until her health kept her from serving.  She retired from the County Department of Revenue in 1993 after (23) years of service. 

She kept active after retiring by volunteering her time helping others.  She joined the League of Mercy with the Salvation Army. She was a volunteer for the Department of Aging until she moved to Benton Harbor, MI.  She united with Greater Harves M.B. Church in 2008 under the leadership of Reverend Eric Thomas where she served faithfully until she relocated to Benton Harbor, MI.  She then united with Israelite Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Joe Bruins and remained a faithful served under the leadership of Pastor Darren McCormick.  She was a member of the Mother’s Board.

She was a faithful member of the church until the Lord called her home. 

Mattie leaves to cherish her memory:  one son Maurice (Paulette) Graham of Benton Harbor, MI., one nephew Eddie (Carrie) Clark of Chicago, Ill., (10) grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild along with a host of nieces, grand nieces, cousins and family friends.

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