Dawn Leigh Graham

She was born on August 17, 1960, in Lansing to Pauline and Robert Lance. Dawn was a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, whose kind heart and generous spirit left an enduring mark on everyone who knew her.

Dawn graduated from Eastern High School in 1979, and she married the love of her life, Terry Lynn Graham, on July 17, 1982, in Lansing. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Dawn worked as a housekeeper at the Quality Inn in Frandor for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her children, a role she embraced with all her heart.

A lifelong resident of Lansing, Dawn was known for her boundless generosity and her ability to make everyone around her feel welcome. She had a heart of gold, always putting others first and offering help whenever it was needed. She would "give anyone the shirt off her back," and her kindness extended to family, friends, and even strangers. A woman of confidence and warmth, Dawn had a knack for bringing people together, and her unwavering support of those she loved was one of her greatest gifts.

In her free time, Dawn enjoyed spending time with her family, indulging in her love for games on her phone and tablet, and singing along to Melissa Etheridge songs while working on crossword puzzles at the picnic table. She was also known for her wit and humor, often quoting, "My husband will fix it.”

Dawn is survived by her husband of 42 years, Terry L. Graham; children, Gary (Tanya) Graham of Eaton Rapids, MI, Darrick Graham of Eaton Rapids, MI, and Heather (Sara) Graham of Troy, MO; grandchildren, Joseph Graham of Mason, MI, Alex Cereno of Saginaw, MI, and Rico Martinez of Mt. Pleasant, MI; siblings, Brad (Barbara) Lance of Eaton Rapids, MI, Brian Lance of Lansing, MI, and Dolores Graham of Lansing, MI; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pauline Lance; her in-laws, Louis and Geraldine Graham; her sister, Veronica Babcock; sister-in-law, Susan Dowdy, brother-in-law, Gerald Graham; and brother-in-law Gary Graham

Dawn’s life was a reflection of warmth, love, and generosity. She was a true "Ray of Sunshine," always brightening the lives of those around her. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the beautiful soul who gave so much to everyone she met.