Mrs. Carole Fransen Graf

Mrs. Graf was born on January 18, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana, but was a lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama. She was known by many for her elaborate taste, spunky personality; and most importantly, her religious devotion. Carole never ate a meal without saying the blessing, loved God and the Virgin Mary, and always kept a rosary nearby.

She attended St. Ignatius Catholic school up to the eighth grade, where she was a talented basketball player who served on more than one championship team.

She graduated from Convent of Mercy in 1963 and attended one year at Spring Hill College. She then took a position at First National Bank, a job she was very proud of.

On June 10, 1967, Carole married Curtis McVay Graf, and they began their lives together. Soon after, she fell in love with raising their three children and fully stepped into her role as homemaker.

Mrs. Graf was very active in the Junior League and her children’s schools: J. T. Wright and UMS. She loved hosting, planning, and celebrating, but her favorite hobbies were cooking, gardening, and sewing - all of which she excelled in.

In addition to preparing nightly dinners at home, Carole enjoyed serving food for everyone at her beloved Ono Island house. She was always happy to cook for the many friends, family members, and neighbors who visited. As quite the chef, Mrs. Graf became famously known for her wonderful "Ono Island Breakfast".

Her "yard“ was another great love of hers. On any given spring or summer day, you could find her there. She spent hours outside in the Alabama heat, weeding, landscaping, and planting. If you ever visited her at home, you know that her yard was her pride and joy.

When indoors, Carole took her French hand sewing skills very seriously and worked for months to create perfect, intricate masterpieces. Over the years, she crafted several beautiful "coming home from the hospital" dresses that could rival any Christening gown. Her one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces are a family treasure and will be passed down by generations to come, along with her personally curated collection of antique clocks.

Besides being a wife, mother, and friend to many, Mrs. Graf was “Gigi” to her grandchildren. She loved them fiercely and was very involved in all of their activities and lives. She is and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vondel Remy Fransen and Stella Bosworth Fransen; her brother, Vondel Remy Fransen; her beloved poodle, Charly; and her ex-husband, Dr. Curtis McVay Graf, with whom she maintained a loving friendship for nearly 70 years.

Mrs. Graf is survived by her three loving children: Dr. Curtis McVay (Paige) Graf Jr. of Mobile, Suzette (Wint) Smith, and Ginger (Mark) Dunaway; her 11 cherished grandchildren: Curtis McVay Graf III, Anna Hayes Graf, Helen Pearce Graf, David Remy Graf, Danner McIntosh Graf, Robin Stephens Graf, Ann Louise Ortega, Olivia Jane Ortega, Frances Graf Ortega, Stella Rowen Dunaway, and Mia Lisette Dunaway; her siblings, Larry Fransen and Renee Fransen; and many friends and extended family.

The 9 AM visitation and 10 AM funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.