Joseph Graham

Joseph Graham, son of the late Joseph Suber and Verna Graham Houston, was born on May 11, 1934, in Newberry County, South Carolina.

The oldest son, Joe didn’t have the opportunity for much formal education. He worked any odd jobs he could find at an early age. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 21 years, 7 months and 25 days! Apparently, the USAF instilled in him an appreciation for structure; this become a part of his daily life. Immediately following his retirement from active duty, he returned to work as a civilian, for Defense Logistics until full retirement in July 2015 (at the age of 80).

When Joe met Sarah Singley, he was immediately smitten. They were united in holy matrimony on August 21, 1953, in Newberry, SC. To this union, four beautiful children were born, Marilyn, Joseph A., Furman and Betty. Joe and Sarah settled in Washington, DC, in 1956. They raised their children to be God-fearing, law-abiding, productive members of society. Joe was a loving father and great provider and protector of his entire family. Family meant everything to him. In fact, he and Sarah never missed an opportunity to travel to Newberry for family gatherings, class reunions and church revivals.

In August 2003, Joe and Sarah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Newberry Opera House, where they renewed their wedding vows. Joe and his family joined the John Stewart Methodist Church, which later merged with East Calvary Methodist Church and became Lincoln Park United Methodist Church. After the merger, he became very active in church ministries. The two leadership roles he loved most were Education Chair and Finance Chair. He never missed a church meeting or the opportunity to challenge someone when he had a difference of opinion. He would quote the United Methodist Discipline, and as far as he was concerned, that was the end of it! He also encouraged his children to be active in ministries, learn the Discipline and study the Bible. Joe also liked to have a good time. He enjoyed going to the casino, playing the lottery, and working on cars (in his younger days). He also loved to make people laugh and was always the life of every party. Even during his illness, he was strong-willed and stalwart. Living life to the fullest, every single day. He held steadfast to his belief that “it’s all in God’s hands!”. Joseph Graham also loved the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons brotherhood. Brother Joseph Graham was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason in Washington, D.C. (King Solomon Lodge #7) in the year of 1974.

Brother Graham served as Grand Master of Saint John Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M, Washington D.C. the years of 2000-2004 and from 2006-2008. As a member of Saint John Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M, Brother Graham received his 33rd Degree and a faithful member of Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Consistory and Shriners. In the year of 2015 Brother Graham help organize King Solomon Grand Lodge A.F & A.M. State of Maryland and once again served as the acting Grand Master in 2016 and a member of King Solomon Lodge # 5. Since leaving office as Grand Master, he enthusiastically continued to serve the Grand Lodge on many committees and assignments for the good of the Craft. In recent years, Brother Graham received the Distinguished Service Award of Mater Mason of the Year 2018. He will certainly be missed by his Masonic Family. Joe was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Sarah E. Graham, son, Joseph A. (Bo) Graham; parents, Verna and Robert Houston and Joseph and Geneva Suber; brothers, Roy Houston, Robert Houston, Jr., Johnny Houston and Joseph Houston; and sisters, Josephine Riley, Ruth Kenner, and Catherine Rayford.

He is survived by his devoted children Marilyn L. Graham Platt, Furman (Jimmy) and his wife, Denise and Betty J. Graham. Loving grandchildren, Jacque Curtis, Amanda Graham and Furman Antione Graham. Great Grandchildren, Jacelyn Curtis and Kenneth McManus IV (Lil Mac). Sisters, Verna Mae Robinson (Newberry, SC), Berneatha Gladney (Thomasville, NC) and Zella Davis (Newberry, SC). Brothers, Ralph Houston, JW Houston and Lewis Suber. Sisters in law, Willa Brown, Hazel Starks, Margaret Singley and Marie Singley; brother in law, Ernest Singley. One Aunt Arelia Means and Goddaughter, Denise Means Cotten. A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, all of whom grieve his departure but rejoice that he is now resting with the Lord.

A service with Military rites will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 28, 2021 Fort Jackson National Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed  through Facebook via  this link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/403825953419918/?ref=sh

 Service Information