Virginia Mae Mae Graham Graham Phillips

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Allie and Eliza Graham, by her beloved husband of 62 years, James Dalton Phillips and by her siblings: Roscoe Graham, John Graham, Clarence Graham, J.D. Graham, Leonard Graham, and Sadie Gilliland. Mae is survived by her daughters, Connie P. Crowder, and husband Don, of Lake Geneva, WI, and Patricia P. Himes, and her husband Jay, of Charlotte, NC. She was a loving grandmother to Shelby Crowder Speno and husband Ritchie, Kerry Crowder Haertel and husband Dean, Slade Crowder and wife Megan, and Ginger Nance. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a special niece, Romona Gravett, and her husband Bill, along with their daughters, Sheri and Sandie.

Mae devoted her life to making a loving home for her family. She was known for creative craftwork of all kinds, but especially her flower arrangements, decoupage, wood carvings, and wreaths. She used her talents to bless her friends with her art and also as a volunteer. She and Jim spent 39 years in Asheville, NC, helping others in their church and local community. They moved to Pineville, NC, in 2006, and after Jim’s death Mae spent her final years with friends and family, especially her Pineville United Methodist Church community. She was known for her fun-loving ways, sense of humor, and perseverance, and was cherished by her family, friends and caregivers.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Ted Frank of CMC Heart Failure Clinic, Dr. Laine Hellner of Levine Cancer Institute, and Dr. George Hall, as well as her special caregivers Kimberly Brookshank and Myra Jones, for the comfort and care shown to Mae during her illness. They would also like to thank the fabulous “Three Musketeers:” Wyamon, Ida Mae, and Wellene, for making life worthwhile and filled with love for her.

A memorial service will be held at Pineville Methodist Church on September 3 at 2:00pm, with visitation after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choosing, or to Pineville United Methodist Church in Pineville, NC.

Mom, we will miss you so much but rejoice that you have begun your eternal journey.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com