Priscilla Imogene (“Jeanie”) Graham

Priscilla Imogene (“Jeanie”) Graham, born October 24, 1925 – Deceased September 2, 2017
After graduating from Marionville High School at Marionville, Missouri in 1943, Jeanie was employed by Western Union in Orange, Edinburg, and Corpus Christi, Texas. This took place during World War II when women were first employed outside of home.
While working at Western Union in Edinburg, Jeanie met her sweetheart, Samuel L. (“Sammy”) Graham. Sammy was on leave while serving in the Navy aboard the CVE 12 Copahee. Jeanie and Sammy were married September 4, 1945 and the marriage lasted over 65 years, when Sammy passed away on April 12, 2011. After the war, they returned to the Rio Grande Valley, first living in Weslaco, TX where Jeanie was employed by KRGV Radio writing commercials for 10 years. Upon moving to Harlingen, she worked for KGBT TV for 19 years. Jeanie watched both stations open and grow during those years and had fun doing live commercials.
Other employers included Valley Baptist Academy School, the Paul Greenwood Agency, and the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. While at the school district, Jeanie served programs including “Help One Student Succeed”; “In Service” and “Staff Development” programs and later retired as a purchase order and voucher clerk.
Jeanie was a lifetime member of Harlingen Chapter No. 641, Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron of the Chapter during 1965-1966. She also served two years as President of the Valley Nile Club of Harlingen. Jeanie was on the Board of the Harlingen Assembly of Rainbow for Girls for several years and served as Grand Visitor, and received the Grand Cross of Colors from Supreme Assembly International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Jeanie was a wife, mother, grandmother and all of her children were special. A son, Royce Del Graham, 42 years of age, preceded in death on December 29, 2006. She leaves a surviving son, Sammy Gene Graham (Kim) of Hutto, Texas. A daughter, Diana Graham Boudreaux (John) of Allen, Texas. A brother, Ivey Pendleton (Carolyn) of Sherman, TX
During her lifetime she wrote many poems and programs. At the age of 8 years, she wrote a poem “My Grandfather’s Model-T” and it was published in the hometown paper. After her husband Sammy passed away, she wrote a poem entitled “A Sweetheart Forever”.
At the time of her death, Jeanie was a member of The First Baptist Church of Rio Hondo, TX. Jeannie taught young people Sunday school at Parkdale Baptist of Harlingen, TX and First Baptist Church of Rio Hondo.
A graveside service will be held at Mont Meta Mausoleum Chapel in San Benito, TX on September 16 at 10 AM. Reverend Gene Horton officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.