Dorothy Mae Tindal Graham

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Mae Tindal Graham., age 81, of Florence, who transitioned on Sunday, January 4, 2025.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this time of loss and remembrance.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing."
~ 2 Timothy 4:7–8
Mrs. Dorothy Mae Tindal Graham was born on June 13, 1944, in Florence,
South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. Willie Thomas, Sr.,
and Mrs. Hattie Bell "Nehat" Tindal Thomas. Affectionately known as "Fina,"
she peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded
by her loving family.
"Fina" received her early education in the public schools of Florence County.
At a young age, she selflessly left school to help care for her family and siblings.
Demonstrating great determination and perseverance, she later returned to
school as a middle-aged adult, earned her GED, and became a proud graduate
of Wilson High School, Class of 1962.
She was formerly employed with Electric Motor, Florence School District One,
Florence County Detention Center, and Medford Nursing Home in Darlington,
South Carolina.
"Fina" was a devoted member of Maxwell Baptist Church, where she faithfully
served on the Kitchen Committee for over twenty years. She was also an active
participant in the Senior Choir and Senior Missionary Ministries. She was also
a member of the Iola Jones Park Senior Program.
"Fina's" love language was acts of service, which she expressed through her
extraordinary culinary gifts. Her cooking fed not only bodies, but also hearts,
minds, and souls. Her home was widely known as a place of fellowship, food,
and fun. It was often said that "Fina" could even make water taste good. She
lovingly mentored countless individuals in the art of cooking, many of whom
left with the knowledge and confidence to start their own culinary businesses.
"Fina" was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Harold Graham, Sr. From
this union, she bore seven children and also opened her heart and home to
others, loving them as her own.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold
Graham, Sr.; her daughter, Detria Lavon Graham; her son, Marvin B. Graham;
her grandson, Demetrius Graham; and two brothers, Dennis Thomas and
Alfonsa "Bunny" Tindal.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: three sons, Elijah "Fella" (Gail)
Tindal, Harold "Pop" Graham, Jr., and Frankie (Shanaria) Graham, all of
Florence, South Carolina; three daughters, Rev. Chandra Graham, Sheila
(Michael) Wanzer, both of Florence, South Carolina, and Shatoya D. Graham
of Summerville, South Carolina; siblings, Willie "Q-Boy" (Thomasina)
Thomas, Melvin Thomas, Cynthia (Eli) Davis, Donna Washington, and
Berda Dean (Dexter) Caldwell, sister-in-laws, Ola Mae Vernell Backus &
Hattie Thomas, all of Florence, South Carolina; one maternal aunt, Beulah
Timmons of Fayetteville, North Carolina; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-
grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins, and forever friends.
Arrangements Entrusted To:
Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.
106 East Darlington Street
Florence, South Carolina 29506
Memorials and Expressions of Sympathy May Be Sent To:
Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.
106 East Darlington Street
Florence, South Carolina 29506