Mary Vernelle Graham

Mary Vernelle Merritt Graham, 90, of Bedford went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Campbell\"™s Rest Home.   She was born in Bedford County on March 24, 1920, a daughter of the late Edgar Herbert Merritt and Opal Ruley Merritt. She was a longtime member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Thaxton and a retired employee of Sam Moore with over 23 years of service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Everett Graham, a son, James Everett Graham, a brother, Archie Lewis Merritt and her sister, Elizabeth Merritt Overstreet.

She is survived by her son, Billy Graham and his wife, Patty of Bedford; a sister, Lucy Lavina Graham of Bedford; two grandsons, Michael James Graham and his wife, Sharon of Bedford and David John Graham and his wife, Tarry of Orlando, FL; three great-grandchildren, Scott Everett Graham and his wife Kristen, Alex John Graham and Jason Blackerby, and her great-great grandson, Everett Miles Graham.

Graveside Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2011 in Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Shoope officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 24, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.

Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department, 315 Bedford Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Life Saving Crew, P.O. Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523.