Dean Graham

Loleta Eudean Graham, 79, passed away peacefully at her home on May 20, 2013. She was born on the family farm in Wiseman, Arkansas on August 29, 1933 to William Clarence and Eula Mae Hill. Dean was the fifth child of eight children. Throughout her childhood, she worked hard alongside her father picking cotton and helping at the dairy farm. She attended school in Violet Hill, AR, where she was the captain of the women's basketball team. Her love of basketball and competitive edge begins here. While attending a gospel singing competition, unbeknownst to Dean, she would meet the love of her life. On December 31, 1949 she married, James Allen Graham. Shortly after marriage the young couple moved to Omaha, NE and started a beautiful family. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters. Worked called the family to move to Shawnee, KS. During this time, Dean stayed home with her children but had an in home daycare to help contribute to the family. Once again worked moved the family to Wichita, KS. It was here that Dean got a job in a bakery and learned the crafts of baking and cake decorating. Dean and James moved to her current residence Midwest City, OK. In Midwest City she worked alongside her husband at the Sutherland Carpet Corral. Dean was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

On April 10, 1974 She proudly became a grandmother and from that point on she was known as Nanny. Nanny embraced her role as the grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. All for the joy of her grandbabies Nanny would host the best Easter egg hunts and the biggest Christmas'. She also made sure they were never shy of homemade treats including her famous chocolate chip and no-bake cookies. Nanny proudly attended all of their high school graduations. She competitively challenged her family in board games and was a very sore loser. No one could ask for a better Nanny.

Dean would have a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She loved to crochet detailed afghans for her friends and family. Dean enjoyed crafting, gardening, and baking. She was gifted musically. She used this gift to sing in gospel groups and to teach herself how to play the piano. Dean had a passion for basketball and enjoyed watching the OKC Thunder play. She loved to shop on QVC and the Homeshoppers Network.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Theresa A. Likens and her husband Michael, Darryl J. Graham and his significant other June McMillin, and Myrlene E. Peterson; daughter-in-law, Debbie Graham; siblings, Cowanda Nesbitt, Shirley Whisenand and her husband Larry, Carolyn Bradley, and Charles Hill and his wife Carol Ann; sister-in-law, Marge Hill; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James A. Graham; second husband, Ray Pitts; son, Ronnie D. Graham; brother, Thednal Hill; and sisters, Delaphine Hill and Wynetta Gifford.

Dean's love and memories will live in our hearts forever.