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Betty Graham Obituary

Betty Ellen Dehn Graham

Black Mountain - Betty Ellen Dehn Graham, 96, of Black Mountain, died peacefully at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville on March 23, 2013 after a long and blessed life.

Born and raised in Three Rivers, Michigan, Betty was the daughter of the late William C. and Kittie Petrie Dehn. After graduating from Michigan State University, she was a teacher and an extension service agent with the State of Michigan prior to joining the American Red Cross during WWII. Betty served as a Hospitality Coordinator for Allied troops in North Africa and Italy. Stationed in Naples during her second tour, she met James E. Graham, Jr., US Navy Dental Corp; they were married in Bagnoli, Italy in August 1946. After returning to the States in 1947, Betty and Jim resided in Charlotte. They were life-long members of First Presbyterian Church and the Charlotte Country Club. Betty was an active member in the church's circles, the Stratford Book Club, the Charlotte Dental Auxiliary and many other volunteer activities. She never lost her love of Italy, foreign travel, flowering shrubs, bluebirds and hummingbirds, and the game of golf.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Dr. Jim Graham, her brother, Bill and sisters, Ruth and Nola.

She is survived by her brother, Douglas Dehn, her five loving children, Julia Graham, Laura Crockett (Gary) and Peter Graham (Claudia) of Black Mountain, with whom Betty lived, Sara Graham Peacock of Asheville, and Rev. James E. Graham, III (Carolyn) of Kernersville, NC. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Graham family is forever grateful to Betty's home caregivers: Jennifer Masters, Jennifer Koempel and Robin Gardner; to Dr. Sissel Topple, and to the CarePartners Hospice teams for their tender care and support.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 102 Andrews Place, Swannanoa, NC 28778, at 11:00 am. A lunch reception will be in the Social Hall following the service.

A memorial service will also be held Friday, April 12, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service in the Lemma Howerton Room.

Inurnment will follow at 3:30 pm at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28215.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Red Cross, 2425 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203; JAARS (www.jaars.org) PO Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28713; or CarePartners Hospice of Asheville in Betty's memory, 21 Belvedere Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals.

www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times from Mar. 31 to Apr. 8, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

We were very sorry to hear of Betty's death. As Stoneybrook Road neighbors, we enjoyed Betty's company and loved hearing her stories of the war years as well as of the Charlotte neighborhood. She was a remarkable lady and we were very fond of her. You have our sympathy and condolences.
Lynn, Bob, Grier, and Collin Coleman

Betty Graham

April 19, 2013

70 years is our life span--80 with special mightiness. Betty had 90+ years of special mightiness. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the time you spent together as you celebrate a life well lived. Ps.90:10

April 4, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

April 3, 2013

So sorry to hear of your mothers passing away. She was a good soul and have missed talking to her by phone now for quite a while. I have lost touch with you folks. I am still at Ocean Isle beach. Give me a hollar. Love, Mary Jo Graham Lammonds

April 1, 2013

o All of the Families: When tradedy strikes, it is devastating. I am very sorry for the lost that you have suffered. The greatest comfort that can be given comes from God's son at Matthew chapter 11 verses 28-30. All of you please allow Jesus's words here to comfort your hearts at this time. May His love and tender mercies be with you always.

Linda Felix

March 31, 2013

Sara.... watching First Pres. on Easter Sunday and heard about your Mom. Thinking about you and your family.

Becca Sadri

March 31, 2013

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