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Joan Graham Obituary

Joan Williams Graham, age 93, died Saturday, November 3, 2018 in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by her children and friends. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late John Newton Williams and Virginia Garrison Williams, who founded the (Garrison) Williams School, Norfolk in 1927. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Thorburn McIntosh Graham, and her sister, Virginia Williams Burton of Atlanta. Joan was a graduate of Chatham Hall School and The College of William and Mary. She made her debut with the Norfolk German Club. After serving as a first grade teacher at The (Garrison) Williams School, she became Assistant Head and finally Headmistress, a position she held from 1969 to 1981. The Williams School was the great legacy she left to the community and she was beloved by generations of students and teachers. Joan was active in the Junior League of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Colonial Dames, Westover Garden Club, the Monday Club and several Bridge groups. Joan is survived by a daughter, Virginia Williams Graham; a son, Peter McIntosh Graham; a nephew, Jay Burton, his wife, Rosemary, their daughter, Garrison, and Rosemary’s daughter, Ashley Scott Armstrong. Joan is also survived by her nephew, Dal Burton, his wife, Adelaide, and children Dal, Adelaide, Hilliard and James. She is further survived by her niece, Caroline Payne Read and Goddaughters, Mary Dashiell and Mary Lyman Jackson. A memorial service will be held at Christ and St. Luke’s Church, 560 West Only Road, Norfolk on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m., The Reverend Canon Win Lewis, Rector, will officiate assisted by the Rev. Jess Stribling and the Rev. Frances Dille. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in the Columbarium of the church. A reception will follow in the Anderson Bayview Room of Westminster Canterbury, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, where Joan resided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Williams School, 419 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507 or to Christ & St. Lukes’ Episcopal Church. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.hdoliver.com.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 7, 2018.
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My condolences on the the loss of your love one. Please take encouragement in Psalms 89:48.

November 7, 2018

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Memorial Events
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11

Memorial service

2:30 p.m.

Christ and St. Luke's Church

560 West Only Road, Norfolk, VA

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11

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Columbarium of Christ and St. Luke's Church

560 West Only Road, Norfolk, VA

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H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments - Norfolk Chapel

1501 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517

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