George Vernolan Graham

George Vernolan Graham came into this world June 1, 1937 to Butler Graham & Sallie Kate (Casteel) Graham in Marietta, (Cass County) Texas. Little George was raised on a rural farm by his grandparents Dillard & Mollie Casteel. Here he learned how to be an entrepreneur where his grandfather had him to carry the crops raised, by wagon into town to be sold at the General Store. As a child, he was responsible for collecting money from the Storekeeper and bringing that back to his grandfather. From his grandparents to their siblings, their children, grandchildren and cousins from both parents ALL attended Floyd Valley Baptist Church every service. During the week the Church was also the schoolhouse where he was given an Elementary & Secondary education. George graduated from Atlanta High School in Atlanta Texas in 1956.

After high school George wanted to leave the farm life and enlisted into the Air Force. God watched over him while he served in the Korean War.

George moved his family to Lansing, MI 1963. He worked in Construction for many years and later went on to begin his own Transportation Company KJ Leasing. This Company employed the skill set he learned while working directly for Frederik Meijer at Meijer's Corporation. KJ Leasing had semi-trucks that would haul materials for vendors around the country. One of his largest accounts was hauling cereal for Kellogg's cereal, cookie and cracker company.

Around 1967 his family joined St. Matthews Church by the request of daughter Daphne. Bro. Graham served Mother Rosa Lee Porter and Papa Bill Faithfully until they went to be with The Lord. It was here that he raised his children and showed them how to do what's right for the Church. Bro. Graham served as Steward, Trustee and many other capacities. He signed his name for the Church Mortgage, being a head Trustee, he was responsible for the Church checkbook. Many times the Church did not have the money to pay utilities, then Bro. Graham would use his personal checkbook to pay them. If Mother Porter was going to the National Convention or State Conference, he would make sure that she didn't have to worry about hotel, transportation, food or paying dues to the Conference. Bro. Graham raised the money for the pews in the current church, cleared the land for the parking lot next door and helped with the purchase of a baby Grand Piano. No job was too big or too small, he cleaned the toilets and performed maintenance too. If the Church needed it, Bro. Graham would see to it. He wasn't concerned about getting a microphone in his hand and having people to follow him. He was the one that brought the microphone and made sure it worked. Bro. Graham just wanted to see the Church taken care of. He did the same for his family. He did not see his biological children or grandchildren as more or less important than those he inherited from his wife Sis. Graham. He never got in the way of Sis. Graham serving. Bro. Graham had the understanding when they first got married that she serves The Lord playing the piano and singing. Factually, Bro. Graham pushed his wife to serve The Lord and transported her wherever she needed to go sing. While she was at the piano, he took care of their young son so she had no worries.

His Faithful Wife of over 40 years Mary, has dedicated the last 17 years of their marriage providing the utmost care for him. She has given of herself while concealing her own medical issues, which is how she redefined the term "Wife". Many obstacles have attempted to blockade her giving him the proper care that he needs, but her marriage vows have been bonded "in sickness and in health". Despite the challenges, Sis. Graham has been an example always keeping GOD first while maintaining support to her husband.

Bro. Graham was preceded in death by both parents, daughter Daphne, brothers Wendell, Gene & Albert and sisters Polly, Carolyn, Willie Mae, Linda & Lillian.

Daddy leaves to Celebrate his life and legacy his loving and dedicated Wife Mary Ann Graham; children Kris (Gerri) Graham, Bacinda Renee Robertson, Pamala Hegmon & Jacques (Iris) Graham, 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; siblings Mary Ann Jack & Willie Jack Jr.