Gene Graham

1928 - 2014

Gene
Abernathy Graham
HARLINGEN, TX. -
Gene Abernathy Graham, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 20, 2014.
She was born to the late Robert Taylor Abernathy and Nell Beard Abernathy on February 14, 1928 in Bamburg, South Carolina. She graduated high school in 1946, and earned a BA in English at Texas Women's University. In 1952 she married the late Marshall White Graham of Harlingen, TX.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Graham, her parents Robert and Nell Abernathy, and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Lorraine Graham.
Gene was a beloved member of St. Alban's Church and an active participant in many organizations in and around Harlingen. She taught at Cummings Middle School and St. Alban's Episcopal Day School. She was a member and served as president of P.E.O, Chapter T., was a past president and sustaining member of the Junior Service League of Harlingen. She was also a member of Saint Elizabeth's Altar Guild, Emanon Dance Club, Algodon Club, and the Cameron County Bar Association Auxiliary. She especially enjoyed her time presenting art lectures through the Junior Service League, volunteering as a Brownie leader, PTA member, and Madrina.
Gene was a devoted matriarch, and the glue that held her family together. She was a world traveler, avid reader, crossword puzzler, and bridge player extraordinaire. Her Southern hospitality followed her from her home in Memphis to the Rio Grande Valley, where all who knew her were embraced by her warmth and acceptance. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and a hard act to follow.
She is survived by her four children; Marshall White Graham, William Andrew "Andy" Graham (Mickey Graham), Laurie Gene Simmons (Jim Simmons) of Harlingen, Marinelle Sowden (Kip Sowden) of Dallas; beloved grandchildren, Crockett Graham, Malcolm Graham, Marion Graham, Taylor Simmons, Lila Simmons, Marshall Simmons, Parker Simmons, Hailey Sowden and Graham Sowden; her adored great grandson, Blake Simmons, her numerous nieces and nephews, her brother and sister-in-law Taylor and Nancy Abernathy of Memphis, TN, her sister-in-law Sally Graham, and her dear friends Billy and Connye Busa of Austin, TX.
The visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, Friday, August 22 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The family will be present from 5:30 pm to 6:30 p.m.
The Reverend Scott Brown will officiate memorial services, held at Saint Alban's Episcopal Church Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
Serving as pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons and grand-nephews: Crockett Graham, Malcolm Graham, Taylor Simmons, Marshall Simmons, Parker Simmons, Graham Sowden, Wesley Ray, and Mathew Ray.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen, TX 78550 or the charity of your choice.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or share a memory at:
www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.