Barbara Wise Williamson Graham

Barbara Wise Williamson Graham Barbara Wise Williamson Graham, 85, died on Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Tallahassee. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, December 8, at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, with a reception following at the church at 3158 Shamrock South, Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tallahassee Watercolor Society for the Barbara Graham Memorial Award Fund, P.O. Box 38502, Tallahassee, FL 32315, or to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-5428. Born in 1922 to Benjamin Wise and Elsie Kohler Wise, Barbara Jane Wise grew up in New Jersey. After the death of her parents, when she was 13 years old, she moved in with her aunt and cousins and she became Barbara Jane Williamson. Her interest in art had early roots, as she was forever sketching and drawing in her teen years. In 1943 she joined the Waves, where she worked in the map department and later became station artist for communications. In 1945 she met and married John Graham, while he was stationed at Ft. Monmouth, in New Jersey. Both were in the military and met in the post-war era. Barbara and John lived together in Tampa and Jacksonville, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Matteson, Illinois. In 1983 they made their final move to Tallahassee to be close to their oldest son, Tom Graham. Barbara, also known as Barba, will best be remembered as a prolific and respected painter and art teacher. In the late 1960s, while raising her four children, Barbara attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, graduating in 1970 with a BA in art education. She taught elementary art in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1981 she completed a master's degree in art at Governor's State University in Illinois. After joining the Florida Watercolor Society in 1983, Barbara became a signature member, winning more than three awards in juried shows. She was president of the Tallahassee Watercolor Society and has taught numerous watercolor workshops. Barbara had a magnetic relationship with children. Her playful spirit was contagious and she inspired others to find their creative expression. Through her colorful stories and joyful spirit, Barbara always invited people to smile and enjoy life. Her brilliant watercolors still brighten up any room and she will be in the hearts of all her loved ones. Barbara is survived by her husband, John Graham of Tallahassee; her four children, Tom Graham of Tallahassee, Nancy Graham Walle (and husband Steven) of Puerto Armuelles, Panama, Katie Carter (and husband Bill) of Nevada City, California, and Shelby Graham (and husband Thad Nodine) of Santa Cruz, California; six grandsons, Jesse Wimmer (and wife Amy), Blair Graham (and wife Aubrey), Noel and Logan Carter, and Tyler and Walker Nodine; and one great-granddaughter, Hailey Ann Wimmer.