Betty Barbee Graham

July 29, 2024
CHARLOTTE - Betty Lou Barbee Graham, 85, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, at her home. Betty bravely fought a courageous battle against cancer with optimism and determination.
Betty was born and raised in Midland, NC, the daughter of the late George Leonard Barbee and Helen Beatty Barbee. She moved to Charlotte after graduating from Pfeiffer College and received her master’s degree from UNCC. She dedicated her life to public education, beginning as a passionate educator and later serving as a respected principal. Throughout her career, she impacted countless lives, inspiring students and colleagues alike with her commitment to learning and leadership.
She loved her time at the beach, decorating her home for the holidays and serving on the “Room in the Inn” team at her church. All who knew her would agree that you rarely had to guess her opinions. She had a passion for being with others and her presence in a room brought laughter and love during special moments with friends and family, especially when it was “wine time.”
Betty is survived by her four children; Jennifer McGinnis (Stephen) of Ft. Mill, SC; Kevin Graham (Nicole Salimbene) of Bronxville, NY; David Hollifield (Jayne) of Pineville, NC; Anna Hollifield (Charlie Cover) of Charlotte, NC; her sister, Olivia Barbee Sasser, and her four grandchildren; Kyle Baxter, Clay Baxter, Ben Hollifield, Will Graham.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Graham.
A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in the sanctuary of Myers Park Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church; 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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We have been neighbors of Miss Betty (and Mr Charles before his passing) for 13 years at her "Happy Place" Ocean Isle. As a retired educator, Miss Betty would spend hours having a glass of wine and talking with my wife Joan (a retired educator) and our daughter Meghan (currently an educator). She was the sweetest and kindest lady, and we loved her dearly. Her passing was devastating to our family as well.
Through Miss Betty, we met her family, her sister Olivia, her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. She loved them all so much, and talked about them all the time. Our hearts break for each of them as they come to terms of a life without the light of Miss Betty in it. Finally she is at peace and out of pain. We hope to continue to see her family as they come to the beach to relax and remember her. God Bless and Rest Miss Betty... until we see you again!
With Love, Bill and Joan. -
Thank you Mom for everything you did for me growing up and beyond. I know it wasn’t easy, but you always made it seem effortless. You made a difference beyond what you were given credit for doing. I Loved you and I will never forget you and our long talks. You were right when you said the best thing about kids is when they are older and wiser and you can talk to them as adults and see the reward for all the sacrifices you made to get them to that place. I hope I lived up to that goal for the most part.
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