Merle Woodburn Graham

Mrs. Merle Woodburn Graham went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, while at her earthly home in Elizabethtown at the age of 94. She was born and raised in Bladen County, the daughter of the late Albert Rankin Woodburn and Florence Cain Woodburn.

She is reunited with her beloved husband, Ennis Byron Graham Sr., daughter Earline McDuffie, grandson David Graham, and siblings, Iris Taylor, Erstine Bryant, Ruby Council, Maurice Woodburn and Albert Woodburn.

Mrs. Graham is survived by two sons, Ennis Byron Graham Jr. (Barbara) of Elizabethtown, and John Graham (Robin) of High Point, six grandchildren, Toni Cross (Powell), Amber Sholar (Warren), Kelly Johnson, Graham Allen (Shameron), Little John Graham (Kelly), and Michael Graham, 15 great grandchildren Caitlin, Wesley, Laney, Abbie, Drew, Zach, T.J., Joel, Lukas, Byron, Reagan,, Delaney, Layla, Haley and Gradyn, and six great, great grandchildren Emma, Charlie, Alice, Jake, Vivianne, and Carlie.

 Mrs. Graham believed in the preservation of the history of our Nation and her ancestors. She was a long-time member of the DAR-Battle of Elizabethtown Chapter and devoted many hours volunteering to restore life back to the Harmony Hall building. She enjoyed playing the piano and traveling. She was always ready to go anywhere at a moment’s notice. She was a talented seamstress and quilter who enjoyed sharing with her family as well as the community. Mrs. Graham was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and citizen who always invested her faith, strength and whole heart into everything she did. Her family and friends loved her dearly and will miss her immensely.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 6-8 pm at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A Memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025 at 2 pm at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church.