Patty Jean Graham

Patty J. Graham (Adams) passed away on October 1, 2025, at her home in Carlsbad, California. She was 87 years old and died from complications due to heart and kidney failure.

Patty was born October 9, 1937, in Bath Springs, Tennessee, to Jessie Willard and Leda Mable Adams of Bath Springs, Tennessee, both of whom preceded her in death.

She lived her early years in Bath Springs, but in 1948, at the age of 11, following the death of her father Willard and her mother's marriage to long-time family friend, Ezra Allen Ray, she moved with her family to China Lake, California, where both her parents were employed at the Naval Ordnance Test Station. She attended China Lake Elementary Schools, middle school at Murray Middle School, and high school at Sherman E. Burroughs High School, graduating in June 1956.

Following graduation from high school, she went to work at the Naval Weapons Center where she spent over 23 years, before relocating to the San Diego area in 1980. There she spent another 16 years working primarily for the Naval Ocean Systems Center in Point Loma San Diego area. Patty was well known wherever she worked for her sassy wit, and thoughtfulness, had many enduring friendships, and she spread joy with her constant baking for her co-workers.

She married Lawrence E. Graham in 1960, raising their children Michael, Kimberly, Laura and Glen in Ridgecrest. She was married to Larry until his death in 2001.

Patty is survived by her brother Billy G. (Susan) Ray of Bakersfield, CA; daughters Kimberly (Mike) Magby of Ridgecrest, CA; and Laura Knight of Carlsbad, CA; and son Glen Graham of Ridgecrest, CA; grandsons Joshua (Heather) Graham of Ridgecrest, CA; Garrett (Ruby) Small of Ridgecrest, CA; Thomas Small of Tuscon, AZ; and Andrew Knight (Anya Pleshakova) of Fairfax, VA; and granddaughter Kerri Knight of Escondido, CA; and great-grandchildren Travis Graham, Denise Graham, Savannah Graham, Braelynn Small, Rylee Small, Ezekiel Small and Daphne Small. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Joelene Wright of Ridgecrest, CA; Shaun Adams of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; Scott Adams of California City, CA; Mark Adams of Fresno, CA; Kristen Ray of Bakersfield, CA; and Jordan Ray of Bakersfield, CA; and grand-nieces Ryann (Johnny) Roscher, Kelli (Makaela Scheible) Wright, Annabelle Adams, and grand-nephews Justin Burke and Zavier Adams. Patty is also survived by sisters-in-law Oleta Adams of California City, CA, and Alice Roberts, of San Antonio, TX.

Patty was preceded in death by her father Jessie Willard Adams; stepfather, Ezra A. Ray; her mother, Mable A. Ray; brother, Jammie W. Adams; brother Joel D. Adams; brother Larry M. Adams; husband Lawrence E. Graham; son Michael Graham; and grandson Charles Knight.

Patty was always a mother, playing a major role in raising her four brothers, who looked up to her, protected her, and loved her dearly for the sacrifices she made for them. Patty, who is also known to all as Honey, loved her family and adored all babies and children. She was passionate about reading her mystery novels often reading a book a day. The highlight of her year was always Christmas where she loved planning and buying for all the family, and she shared her famous fudge and bread with many recipients across town.

Services will be held Saturday, November 22, at 10 a.m. at the H.K. Holland Memorial Chapel, 216 S. Norma St, with the Pastor Jim Humphrey of Calvary Chapel presiding. Burial will follow at Desert Memorial Park 801 S. San Bernardino Rd.

As a lasting tribute to Patty's commitment to her love of all children and honor of our military, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38015 or Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 are welcome.

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