Barbara Graham Williams

Born to Elva Cousins and Henry Lawrence Bullock, Barbara was a graduate of Matthew Fontaine Maury High School in Norfolk and then attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. She remained an active alumna of MBC throughout her life.

As a young mother, Barbara tutored students with learning disabilities from her home. After moving to Houston in 1968 with her husband John G. Graham, she joined the middle school faculty at The Kinkaid School, which her children also attended. She taught Latin at Kinkaid for 30 years, was a cheerleader sponsor, led summer programs to the UK, and was a huge supporter of all things Kinkaid.

As a new retiree, Barbara became a docent at Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens in 2002. She loved the 16 years she spent as a tour leader, and she is especially remembered for her work organizing the decoration of the iconic Christmas tree.

At Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Barbara served as an Elder, was active in the Sunday School program and participated in a mission trip to Kenya, where she met her husband, Curtis, in 1999.

Barbara was an avid traveler, a creative seamstress, an extraordinary hostess, a beloved teacher, a cherished friend to many, and the matriarch of our extended family, gathering us yearly at her house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Vivienne McMurry; her husband, Curtis C. Williams III; and her son, John Lawrence Graham. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Margaret Graham (Sheree Adams) of Campbell River, British Columbia; grandsons, JW and Rome Gauthier Graham of New York, New York; as well as nieces, great nieces, and nephews.

In her final years, as she struggled with her health, she was greatly helped by her dear friend Nancy Dierker Boswell, and caretakers, Zuzuki Chavez, Elizabeth and Heidi Jimenez and Guadalupe Robler.

A celebration of Barbara’s life is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 20th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to honor her legacy as a teacher and give to a scholarship fund at the school of your choice.