© Donna (Stricklan) Whitaker

Obit for Oleta posted by Martha Reddout
Dec 31, 1937 - Oct 20, 2022

© Marietta Monitor
28 October 2022, Page 4
Source:  © Watts Funeral Home

Grace Ladner Graham slipped away under the cover of darkness from our loving arms into the comforting hands of the Lord the morning of October 20, 2022. Never to start another day of pain and tribulation, but to rejoice in the arms of her loved ones who have gone before her.
 
Grace brightened the lives of all around her as she came into the world December 31, 1937, and continued to light up the lives of all who came to know and lover her. She was born at home in Jimtown, Oklahoma to Sylvester and Audrey Chambers Ladner, in what affectionately became known as "the house under the hill". She graduated from Leon, Oklahoma in 1956 where she played both basketball and softball, even occasionally lending a hand to the boys' baseball team when they were short-handed.
 
She married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Graham, in 1957 and began her new life in Duncanville, Texas, where she lived until her passing. She spent 35 years working for the Bank of America, gaining some life-long friends; finally retiring to spend more time with Bobby and her family. They were blessed with 46 years together. Grace and Bobby became members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill where she enjoyed her Bible School classes and new friendships made.
 
Grace's greatest loves were her two sons, Jeff and Jason, and her pride in them was always evident. Her mama's love was clear every time she baked that half and half sheet cake for them. Her greatest joy came from her two grandsons, Jesse and Payten, even though that "Grandmother" title she hoped for quickly became "Granny". She spent many of her days imparting her wisdom on them and would often remind them to "listen to your Granny". They were fortunate enough to have had her there for so many milestones in their lives and will always treasure the lessons she taught them and their time together. 
 
Her best friends were her sisters whom she loved to travel with or just hang out at the old homestead. There was not telling what those Ladner sisters might get into when together, but it was sure to leave a story to be told, in Grace's words, "Anyway...." Sundays in Jimtown always held a special place in Grace's heart. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she loved her nieces and nephews dearly. There was never any doubt that at those family gatherings that a chocolate pie would appear without meringue and macaroni and cheese would be served for those delicate eaters. The kids at Easter were always hunting for those "prize" eggs so they could collect their quarters, and how many two dollar bills did Grace give out over her lifetime at Christmas?
 
Grace filled her home with love, good cooking, and Frosty's, lots and lots of Frosty's. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve were a special time that she planned for all year long. All were welcome, and all were loved.
 
We are never prepared for the loss of a loved one, and even though at the moment Grace slipped away there were no tears shed, no last goodbyes said, and no final wave, we will rest easy knowing we will all be reunited one day in the home Grace has gone to prepare for us.
 
Grace is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Bobby Wayne Graham, her parents, Sylvester and Audrey Ladner; brothers, Wester Ladner, Charlie Ladner, Richard Ladner, Andrews "Bay" Ladner, Vester "Buck" Ladner and Ott Ladner; and sisters, Emme Ladner, Epsy Harris, Ruby Mapp, Azaline Hays, and Poline Monkres.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey and Jason Graham, daughter-in-law, Ann Graham, and her two grandsons, Jesse and Payten Graham, sisters, Sue Taliaferro and Frances Foster, and sister-in-law, Laquitta Ladner. She also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.
 
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Leon Cemetery with Tony Ladner officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Marietta.
 
Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com

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