Barbara J. Graham

Barbara J. Graham, age 93, of Battle Creek, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was born December 8, 1930, in Orlando, Florida, the daughter of Donald D. and Marion A. (Courtney) Andrew. Barbara was a 1949 graduate of St. James Catholic School in Orlando, Florida. On January 21, 1951, she married Ralph E. Graham in Washington, D.C, who was serving in the Air Force. She worked for the Department of the Air Force while living in Washington, D.C., then she and her husband moved to Chicago, Anchorage and England, eventually settling in Battle Creek in 1967. She was an active member of St. Philip Catholic Church working at the church thrift store and cleaning the church for several years. Barbara enjoyed gardening, crocheting and reading, and spent many years taking care of children many who considered her a grandmother. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband in 1982, their daughter Deborah J. Graham in 1983, a special friend and companion Horace Avery and her parents. She is survived by her sister Virginia Chapman, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Barbara never met a stranger; her friendly personality was her gift to all who knew her. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Philip Catholic Church with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services www.henryfuneralhome.org