Bettie Mae Caldwell Graham

Bettie was born in Batesville, Mississippi on December 22, 1933, to Elizabeth Henderson Caldwell and Herman Meek Caldwell also of Batesville, Mississippi. Bettie was the eldest of three children, along with younger brothers Herman Mallory Caldwell of Grenada, Mississippi and Charles “Charlie” Henderson Caldwell of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

During her high school years Bettie was an active member of dance teams including Ballet Corps, Choir, Student Council, and Theater in addition to being a life-long Sunday school teacher. In Batesville she met Homer Devon "Von" Graham Jr. and they began dating in the 8th grade. After high school Von studied at Mississippi State University while Bettie pursued her degree in Home Economics at Mississippi State College for Women where she flourished and made many of her enduring friendships. Being nearby, Bettie and Von continued their relationship and married in 1956.

Having never flown on an airplane before, Bettie moved with Von to Stuttgart, Germany in 1957 while Von served in the army and in 1958 they welcomed their son Homer Devon "Von" Graham III, now a doctor at Ochsner Hospital. Von and Bettie moved to Houston after his service was over and in 1962 Bettie and Von added their daughter, Elizabeth Grace Graham to the family. They lived in Houston until 1968 when they moved their family to New Orleans and where Bettie has lived ever since.

Throughout her life Bettie remained active in her church and also volunteered with the New Orleans Symphony, WYES, and Metairie Park Country Day School where both her children attended. Bettie’s true love and gift in life, however, was being a fantastic mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Although she had many talents she was most especially a fabulous cook, entertainer, teacher, encourager, and supporter and she loved her family unconditionally.

Bettie’s faith meant so much to her and she showed that through her love of Christ and her commitment to the teachings of Jesus. She was patient, kind, non-judgmental, loving and generous. She often put her family above herself and was faithful to God throughout her life in her service to Him as long as her body allowed.

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, her husband of 60 years at his death in 2016 Homer Devon “Von” Graham, Jr, and grandson Sean Patrick Giroir.

She is survived by a son Homer Devon “Von” Graham, III (Peggy) and daughter Elizabeth Grace Graham along with four grandchildren; Devon Graham (Ellie), Ian Graham (mother Connie LeBlanc); and Tucker Graham (mother Nicole Graham); and Virginia Chan (Malcolm) and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and life-long friends.

The Graham Family would like to especially thank the caregivers who showed so much love, kindness, and patience to Bettie over the years and her wonderful doctors at Ochsner Hospital.

There will be an informal burial at 10am on July 25, 2025, at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations go to Parkinson’s Foundation at 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, Florida 33126 or online at Parkinson.org in memory of Bettie Graham.

Fond memories and expressions of condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.