Elizabeth Cynthia Wilfong Graham

Elizabeth (Bette) Wilfong Graham was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on June 27th, 1923 and died on Thursday August 15th, 2013 in the loving care of Providence Everett Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.

Elizabeth attended schools in Lima PA and Media PA and graduated from Rider College in Trenton NJ.

Elizabeth Married Richard P. Graham on October 20, 1945 and moved to Everett WA in 1953.

Elizabeth was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Everett WA, and was a member of the United Methodist Women. Elizabeth volunteered with: Housing Hope, Deaconess Children’s Services and Women’s Refuge.

Everyone in Elizabeth’s extensive circle of friends and family knew her as Bette. She so enjoyed entertaining guests at her home, and always had a pot of strong coffee at the ready, as well as a never ending tray of homemade cookies. She made it a point to visit those unable to leave their homes, delivering fresh banana bread and loving hospitality, lifting everyone’s spirits.

Elizabeth was always the first to welcome new people to the church, or the neighborhood, with many enjoying a warm dinner and a welcoming atmosphere at her home. (She even was willing to make a pot of decaf coffee!) She was a grandmother to many, assisting at Lowell Elementary and Housing Hope, and sharing her bassinet with many families with newborns.

Elizabeth loved the beach, whether she was digging clams, beachcombing, or having a “pic-a-nic”. If weather did not permit, the picnic would occur in the basement, with the hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over a crackling fire in the fireplace.

She loved the Lord and all his children, leaving a testimony with her family by reading her devotions daily and always serving the Lord through her love and hospitality.

She is now reunited with the Love of her life, her husband Richard, her son Thomas who preceded her in 1952, and her family and friends that have gone on before her. We know she will always be ready with a hot pot of coffee and cookies to greet those who follow.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Graham Brewer and her husband Richard Brewer, son Andrew Raymond Graham, grandson Joshua D Brewer and his wife Debbie Brewer, grandson Andrew J Brewer, grandson Trevor Graham, and great grandson Wyatt R Brewer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sprit of Grace United Methodist Church of Everett, or a family charity of your choice.

Graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at Floral Hills Cemetery, 409 Filbert Rd, Lynwood WA. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm at Spirit of Grace United Methodist Church, 3530 Colby Ave, Everett WA, 98201.

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

I think that I shall never see