Dolores Graham

Dolores Beard Graham passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. She was born on Oct. 24, 1924, in the state of Arkansas to parents, Jesse and Beatrice Chandler Beard. She was educated at the University of Arkansas and Middle Tennessee State University. She began her teaching career in Maryland where she taught for the first 10 years after graduation. After moving to Tennessee, she worked in the Tullahoma City School System as a teacher until she was hired to teach at Motlow State Community College. The last 12 years of her 42 years in education were spent with the Tennessee Department of Education as the reading specialist for the state of Tennessee. Upon retirement, she moved with her husband J.W. to Fort Myers, Fla., until her health deteriorated and at that time they settled in Jasper, Tenn., where Dolores was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Dee was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, and traveled widely to Europe, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Canada and all across the United States. She also remained a huge Razorback Fan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson Christopher Williams. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband J.W. Graham; one son Dr. Arvis Williams and his wife, Robyn; one stepson, Tony (Jerrel Anthony) Graham and his wife, Debbie; one grandson, Nicholas Williams; a granddaughter, Amanda Williams; two stepgrandsons, Chase and Jared Graham; and two stepgreat=grandchildren, Jack and Mary Michael Graham. Other surviving family includes one brother, Tom Beard and his wife, Joyce; one sister, Cleta Holman and her husband, Rudy; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews; and many dear special friends Funeral services will be conducted from the Tate Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. CST Saturday with the Rev. Tammy Wright, the Rev. Royce Vickors and the Rev. Mike King officiating. Entombment will follow at Sequatchie Valley Mausoleum. The family will receive friends noon CST until 2 p.m. CST Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 with services to follow 2 p.m. To send condolences visit www.tatefh.com. Arrangements by Tate Funeral Home, LLC, Jasper, Tenn. 423-942-9500.