Martha Willadean Dalton Graham

Martha Willadean Dalton Graham, 75, of Hillsville, Va., has gone to be with our Lord on April 26, 2010. She was born on November 4, 1934, in Carroll County to the late Ward and Ruby Dalton. Willadean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas H. Graham. Willadean graduated from Radford College in 1955 and earned her master's in Education from Virginia Tech in 1978. After a whirlwind courtship that began in Norfolk, Va., she married Tom on July 26, 1959. She traveled the world with her husband before settling down in Hillsville in 1969. She was a loving wife, mother and educator. She was a lifetime member of Hillsville First Baptist Church. She was dedicated to the community through active membership in Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Woman's Club and Future Homemakers of America prior to her illness. She was an educator at both church and school. She taught Sunday School for more than 20 years at First Baptist and Home Economics (as well as some science and math) in California, Kansas and Virginia for more than 32 years. She loved to laugh and was a great source of joy to all that met her. She is survived by her son, Thomas H. Graham Jr. and wife, Robin; daughters, Elizabeth "Beth" Graham, of Hillsville, Teresa Meadows and husband, Mark, of Williamston, S.C., and Cathy Gillen and husband, Kevin, currently living in Kuwait. She leaves behind two brothers, Claude Dalton, of Cana and Nelson Dalton, of Hillsville; and sisters, Mary Horton, of Galax and Billie Taylor, of Hillsville. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Christina Meadows, Marcus Meadows, Mason Graham and Lucas Graham; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Theresa Timulty and nephew, Michael Timulty both of Boston, Mass. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at VaughanGuynnMcGrady Chapel at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ty Harrison, the Rev. Ronnie Collins, and Dr. Lawrence Childs officiating. Burial will follow in Monta Vista Memory Gardens in Galax. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. A guestbook is available online by visiting www. vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com. VaughanGuynnMcGrady Chapel is serving the family.