Mary Joan Graham

Mary Joan Graham died on January 31, 2016. “Mary Jo” was born to Mary Elizabeth and James Bernard Early on January 14, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan. As a child, Mary Jo was always an entertainer and would be called upon to sing on the radio and tap dance live performances to both family and public. Mary Jo later graduated from the University of Detroit and obtained her Masters in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After graduation, Mary Jo was Director of Adoptions for Catholic Charities in Detroit.

In 1964, Mary Jo married the love of her life, Dr. Joseph Martin Graham, after having met in Belle River, Canada. Mary Jo and her husband loved to dance, ski, and travel the world, having honeymooned in Europe for a year. That romance would last over 50 years until Dr. Graham’s passing in 2014.

Once they began a family, Mary Jo was passionate about volunteer work in Houston. Mary Jo was a founding member of Birthright and the Houston chapter of Catholics United for the Faith. She enjoyed serving as secretary of the Charity Guild of Catholic Women and was an active member of the University of St. Thomas Chapel Guild. Mary Jo also was a Director of Volunteer Services for Magnificat House and volunteered regularly at Light House for the Blind and Reading for the Blind. Mary Jo was a daily communicant and devoted attendee at Eucharistic Adoration and First Saturday Devotions. As a lifelong sponsor to Youth Mission for the Immaculata, Mary Jo organized many youth meetings and retreats to foster the development of the Catholic faith.

Perhaps most important, Mary Jo was always a mother to those in need and a rock upon whom others would seek solace and comfort. Mary Jo’s love, affection, and guidance extended to her husband, children, friends of her children, foster children, grandchildren, and any stray animal lucky enough to find her doorstep. All were drawn to Mary Jo because of her quiet strength and profound faith that was grounded in her Irish heritage and her refusal to bend to societal pressure to take the easy path. But Mary Jo would also delight in trips to the beach, spending hours listening and providing advice to her children and grandchildren, and baking cakes, cookies, and brownies while swaying and singing to the Big Band music of her youth.

Mary Jo is survived by her son, Jim Graham, and his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Mary Angela Meyer, her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters, Clare and Mary Grace; son, Joe Graham, Jr.; and her daughter, Therese Andersen, her husband, Ric, and their children, Michael, Emily and Catherine.

Mary Jo’s life was devoted to her faith and her family, making this world a better place, and saving souls.

Eternal rest grant unto Mary Jo Graham, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Final respects and condolences may be expressed to the Graham family during the following services:

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Visitation: 5:00-7:30PM

Rosary: 6:30PM

Dignity Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home

8303 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77024

Friday, February 5, 2016

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00AM

Holy Rosary Catholic Church

3617 Milam Street

Houston, TX 77002

In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Mary Jo may be given to the Mary Jo & Dr. Joseph Graham Fellowship:

c/o TRL

9800 Centre Parkway, Suite 200

Houston, TX 77036