JoAnn Graham JoAnn Rogers Graham, 62, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family January 12, 2012. Mrs. Graham was born November 27, 1949 in Belzoni, MS, and later moved to Yazoo City with her family where she grew up. She came to Columbus, MS, in 1967 to attend Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) and graduated in 1971 as president of her class. After graduation from college, Mrs. Graham enjoyed many happy years working as a buyer for J.P.'s and Pryor's Department Store of Columbus. After raising her family, she also had several wonderful years working with close friends at Rent- A-Space and Gifts, Etc. She was a lifetime member of The Junior Auxiliary of Columbus, having served as president. Mrs. Graham was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Her faith and her family were the great treasures of her life. She also loved spending time at the family farm and sharing it with friends and the community. Mrs. Graham was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Kathleen Rogers. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, James D. (Jimmy) Graham of Columbus; sons, James Robert (Rob) Graham (Summer) of Columbus and Joseph Chadwick (Chad) Graham (Haley) of Mamaroneck, NY; daughter, Julia Graham Starrett (Whit) of Hattiesburg, MS; and one grandchild, Smith Joseph Graham of Mamaroneck, NY. She is also survived by three sisters: Patty Barbour (Wiley) of Yazoo City, MS; Carol Rogers of Columbus; and Donna Beckham (Jimmy) of Greenville, MS. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 11:00 am at Annunciation Catholic Church, Columbus, MS, with Fr. Robert Dore and Fr. Gerard Hurley officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the atrium of the church. Burial will follow the Mass at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Jim Vincent, Henry Morgan, Rocky Bond, John Phillips, Bobby Hooks, Jim Pryor, Joe Beall, Bill Brigham and Jim Simmons. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to CanSurvive of the American Cancer Society (GYN Cancer Support Group), c/o Beth Hesner, UAB Highlands, 1201 11th Ave. So., Birmingham, AL 35205; Columbus Humane Society, 13 Airline Rd., Columbus, MS, 39702; or St. Vincent de Paul Society of Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St., Columbus, MS 39701.
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