Sharon Rose Graham

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of our beloved Sharon Rose Graham, who left this world on February 21, 2010, at the age of 63. Born in the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, on November 15, 1946, Sharon's life was a tapestry woven with compassion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her family and friends. Sharon was the cherished daughter of the late Jacob Franklin Graham, Jr. and Florence Elizabeth Hall Graham. She grew up in a home filled with love and laughter, alongside her siblings Charles Franklin Graham, Raytie Louise Graham, Connie Sue Graham Greenwell, Margaret Darlene Graham Held, and Mary Elizabeth Bartlett. Sharon now joins her parents and siblings Charles, Raytie, and Connie in eternal peace. Her journey through life was marked by an unyielding spirit and a heart full of love. Sharon's greatest joy came from her family, and she poured her life into her children: her sons, Raymond Eugene Smith, Jr. and Scott Edward Smith; and her daughters, Penny Darlene Smith Branstetter, Selina Jo Smith Maleki, and LaWanna Sue Brand. Sharon's nurturing spirit extended to her sons-in-law, Chris Branstetter and Omid Maleki, and her daughter-in-law, Rita Brand, who were embraced as her own. Sharon's legacy lives on through her adored grandchildren: Katelin Miche'le Smith, Nicholas David Branstetter, Christian Daniel Branstetter, Paige Delaney Branstetter, Candida Renae Drury, Omar Austin Lee, and Jacob Loretta Lee. Each brought immense pride and joy to her life. Her heart was filled with delight at the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Lillyan Pyper DeWitt, who will grow up surrounded by stories of her great-grandmother’s love and warmth. In addition to her immediate family, Sharon is survived by her loving sisters, Margaret Darlene Graham Held and Mary Elizabeth Bartlett, who were her lifelong companions and confidantes. Her extended family includes cherished nephews Mikeal Stephen Graham, Lee Dan Graham, Matthew Charles Held, Richard Brent Held, and Damon Lee Bartlett, and beloved nieces Margaret Elizabeth Graham Fisher, Jacqueline Lynnette Graham, Misty Michelle Bartlett, and Angel Suzette Curtis. Sharon's life was a testament to her enduring faith, kindness, and generosity. She was known for her gentle spirit, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering support for those she loved. She was a beacon of light to all who knew her, and her absence leaves a profound void in our hearts. As we celebrate Sharon's life, we remember her not only for her love of family but also for her contributions to her community and her unwavering faith. Sharon's legacy will forever be a guiding force for those she leaves behind, and her memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her grace.