Miriam Jean Graham Gerald

Miriam Jean Graham Gerald of 2816 Drewry Lane was born on March 8, 1938, to Charlie E. Graham and Mrs. Gertrude Lash Graham in Winston-Salem. She departed this life on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, after an extended period of illness. At an early age, Miriam accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Dr. Kelly O.P. Goodwin. She was a dedicated member of the church who enjoyed participating in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and other church activities. She attended 14th Street Elementary School, where she developed an interest in music. Her enthusiasm for music continued at Atkins High School, where she played the clarinet, saxophone and cello in the concert and marching bands and orchestra. She was crowned "Miss Atkins High" during her senior year. In 1960, Miriam graduated with honors from Winston-Salem Teachers College, now Winston-Salem State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education. While pursuing her studies, she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and became very involved in their community service and campus activities. She was a teacher in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system for 31 years. Fueled by her love for and dedication to children, she inspired them to excel in and beyond the classroom. She taught at Fairview and Sherwood Forest and later retired from Prince Ibraham Elementary School. She was a devoted wife, mother, family member, neighbor and friend, who delighted in her motherly role of rearing their only daughter, Princess. Her interests and hobbies included sewing, cooking, acrylic painting, playing the piano and traveling. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dr. Verdell G. Graham; and a brother, Charles E. Graham Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband of 44 years, Roy Gerald Jr.; a loving and dedicated daughter, Princess Gerald; sisters, LaVerne G. Gaither (Clark) and Delores E. Graham of Winston-Salem, Dr. Clarice G. Carter of Farmington Hills, Mich., and Moena G. Hinson of High Point; a brother, Hiram H. Graham of Silver Spring, Md.; several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Mount Zion Baptist Church, with Dr. Serenus T. Churn officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will conduct a memorial service at 11:45 a.m., followed by the family visitation from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Gentiva Health Services, 145 Kimel Park Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Memorial gifts may also be made to the Delta Fine Arts Center in memory of Miriam Graham Gerald, 2611 New Walkertown Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The family wishes to express their thanks, gratitude and deep appreciation to caregivers Lydia Prysock, Olivia Myers, Betty Ware, and Nurse Danny Johnson from Gentiva Health Services. We further extend thanks to NuCare Ambulance Services and to the nurses and physicians at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center for providing outstanding service and compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.russellfuneral.service.com. (Russell)