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Alma Graham Obituary
April 24, 2020
New York, New York - Ms. Alma E. Graham, 84, of New York City died on April 24, 2020 of COVID-19.
Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on October 30, 2021 at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC with the Rev. Marion Sprott-Goldson, Vicar of The Advocate Episcopal Church, officiating.
Alma was born in Raleigh to Irene Knott Graham and David Robert Graham in November 1936.
A graduate of Ravenscroft, UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Phi Beta Kappa Woodrow Wilson Scholar, Alma achieved her Master's at Columbia University. She was a lexicographer for Funk and Wagnalls; Managing Editor of the American Heritage Dictionary; a nationally adopted grade school text book author for McGraw Hill; and at retirement, Alma worked for God as Editor of the United Methodist Church's magazine.
Ms. Graham promoted the advancement of women. A non-sexist language expert, Ms. Graham lectured and wrote non-sexist language guidelines for major publishers and organizations. Her trail blazing efforts on gender parity, inclusion, and respect for women in language are documented by numerous articles and interviews.
Alma was a member of the congregations of Christ and St. Stephen (NYC), St James (VT), and the Episcopalian Cathedral of St John the Divine (NYC). Ms. Graham served a term as President of the Lay(men's) Club of the Cathedral.
Alma is survived by her beloved Jo Gillikin with whom she had shared 64 years and by her nephew, Christopher Smith. Alma and Jo were married in 2008 in Vermont; they had no children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alma Graham
Sponsored by Greenwich Village Funeral Home.
2 Entries
Kenneth RIDER
October 17, 2023
Alma was a wonderful friend and a very intelligent and most honest person. I, as well as my husband Ron, miss her greatly.
Ronald G. Kirchem
February 14, 2023
Alma was one of the most important influences on my life. She was my manager, coworker, and coauthor. My husband Ken Rider and I loved her and Jo so much. We visited them many times but lost contact about the time we moved to Paris in 2018. - Ron Kirchem
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