Tessie Graham

Tessie Opal Fraley Graham passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at her home in Chattanooga after a long illness. She was 86. Mrs. Graham was born May 11, 1928, in McClure, Va., to James Otis Fraley and Josie Vanover Fraley. She graduated from Ervinton High School in Dickinson County, Va., in 1946, and moved to the Washington, D.C., area where she met her husband, Salem Graham. They married in January, 1947. Tessie and Salem had four children and four grandchildren: Gary Wayne Graham, deceased; Barbara (David) Tucker of Ringgold; Donald B. (Edna) Graham of Edgewater, Md.; and David A. Graham of Chattanooga. Her grandchildren are Michael A. (Angela) Graham of Ravenswood, W.Va.; Paul A. Tucker of Ringgold; Ian Trent Graham of Edgewater; and Madison Paige Graham of Edgewater; and two great-grandsons, Jacob and Zachary Graham. Mrs. Graham moved to Chattanooga in 1986. She was a dedicated mother and caregiver. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the American Cancer Society or the Salvation Army. There will not be any visitation at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson, Tenn., with Rev. Darren Delaney officiating. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, & Florist. 404 South Moore Road.