Patricia Upton Graham

Patricia Upton Graham (86) of Raleigh, died peacefully at Wake Med Hospital surrounded by family on October 27, 2023. A native of Raleigh, Patricia was born on July 1, 1937 to Fannie Lloyd Upton and Howard Brown Upton.

She graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1955, and went on to earn her degree in 1958 from Marjorie Webster College in Washington, DC. Shortly after graduating, she met and married her husband of sixty years, James (Jim) Radford Graham, of Raleigh, on November 16. 1963.

Early in their marriage, Jim’s banking career moved them around the Triad of NC. During this time, Patricia was Secretary to the City Manager of Greensboro, and later to the City Manager of Charlotte. She also served as Secretary to the NC League of Municipalities.

She was the kindest, most dedicated mother to her three children, Cydney Patricia Graham, James Radford Graham Jr., and Erin Graham Hensley. A constant presence and source of support at endless swim and dive meets, soccer and baseball games, and years of traveling far and wide to horse shows. She was an active member of Sherwood Bates Elementary PTA, and Broughton Advisory Council.

Patricia, or “Ms. Pat” as she was affectionately known, served as the Secretary for White Memorial Presbyterian Church Weekday School for 20 years, touching the lives of at least three generations of children along the way. She went on to further enrich the lives of kids during her many years in the Resource Center of Project Enlightenment on Boylan Avenue.

No words can express how much she will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and loved ones. She will be remembered always as an avid reader and consummate chef. We will miss her quick dry wit and enjoying her company and laughter from the back porch overlooking her beautiful azaleas.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Graham; daughter, Cydney Patricia Graham; daughter, Erin Graham Hensley and son-in-law, Brandon Scot Hensley; grandson, Owen Radford Hensley; son, James Radford Graham Jr.; granddaughters, Lily Farouza Graham and Kamila Rose Patricia Graham; sister, Sally Upton Gammon and brother-in-law, Ray Gammon; brother, Tom Upton; and sister-in-law, Denise Dickens.

A memorial service will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Visitation with the family will be after the memorial service in the Jane Bell Gathering Space at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Project Enlightenment Foundation or your favorite charity.

The family is be served by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC