Ruby Lee (Partlow) Graham, 92, of 86 Austin Street, departed this life on February 15, 2008 at her home. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Lena (Barnett) Partlow. Sister Graham accepted Christ at an early age at the Liberty Hill A.M.E. Zion Church in York, South Carolina. Later she joined the Belmont St. A.M.E. Zion Church in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1954.

   Sister Graham was educated by the public schools in York County, South Carolina. She met and later married the late John Wylie Graham, Sr. on March 20, 1936. To that union, six children were born: Geneva, Lucille, Lena, John Jr., Juanita and Ramona. Sister Graham was employed by Dubin Wool in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Gastonia, North Carolina; parent support of the George Washington Carver Drum and Bugle Corps. in Worcester, Massachusetts; and staunch supporter of all her children’s activities.

   Among her many church duties and affiliations; she was a stewardess, class leader, missionary and conference delegate. Under the pastoral care of Pastor Nathaniel Perry, she was appointed the “Mother” of the Belmont Street A.M.E. Zion Church. She was also featured as an honoree in the “Red Hat Society” at the Belmont Street A.M.E. Zion Church.

   Sister Graham leaves to cherish her memory, one son, John Wylie Graham, Jr. & wife, Nellie of Washington, DC; five daughters: Geneva E. (Graham) Irby & husband, Eugene of Adamsville, Alabama, Minnie Lucille (Graham) Harris & husband, Raymond of Forestville, Maryland, Lena A. Graham & devoted friend, Gerald McGrath of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Juanita D. (Graham) Vasquez & husband, Julio of Worcester, Massachusetts, Ramona C. (Graham) Gardenhire (wife of the late Arthur Gardenhire) of Worcester, Massachusetts; three granddaughters: Dr. Nikki E. Harris of Forestville, Maryland, Ryann C. Gardenhire of Atlanta, Georgia, Lee R. Gardenhire of Worcester, Massachusetts; and a host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

   A calling hour will be held on Thursday, February 21st from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 717 Main St., Worcester followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors of Worcester, MA.