Joy Graham

Joy was born in Krebs, Oklahoma on February 26, 1927.She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Classen High School.After graduation, she worked for Lisby's Shoes in Oklahoma City.  Later, she worked as a bookkeeper for Gibson's Discount Center.  She worked there for 25+ years and became the Office/Personnel Manager for the chain of Gibson's in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Nebraska.She married Billy Raymond Graham in 1951 and they resided in Del City, Oklahoma.After her husband's death in 1979 Joy worked for a home health care company in Oklahoma City.  Joy moved to Amarillo in 1985 where she was employed by Del-Pat Rentals as the office manager.Joy was a member of Polk Street United Methodist Church and she enjoyed attending the Suzanna Wesley Sunday School class.  She was an avid bridge player and participated in many bridge clubs and organizations.  Joy never met a crossword puzzle she didn't like.  Her fondest role in her later years was that of grandmother.Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Raymond Graham, her parents Thomas and Maude Gleason of Oklahoma City.  She was also proceded in death by 3 siblings:  Winfield Scott Gleason of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Thomas Gleason, Jr, of Oklahoma City, and Gayle Gleason Pribyl of Oklahoma City.She is survived by her sister, Patricia Gleason Brown of Cave Creek, Arizona.  Joy is also survived by her three children:  Raymond Scott Graham and wife Lea Maria of Brazil, William Thomas Graham and wife Patty of Edmond, Oklahoma and Kathy Graham Durrett and husband Robert of Amarillo, Texas.Joy is also survived by five grandchildren: Bobby Graham of Edmond, Oklahoma, Angie Graham of Edmond, Oklahoma, Will Durrett and wife Romni of Wildorado, Texas,  Audrey Durrett Moore and husband Gary Paul of Amarillo, and Andrew Durrett of Irving, Texas.The family expresses deepest gratitude to the staff of the Craig Methodist Retirement Center, Childer's Place and Hospice Care of the Southwest for their loving care for Joy.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Opportunity School, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas 79101, or Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center, 112 SW 8th #800, Amarillo, TX 79101, or the Amarillo Symphony, 1000 S. Polk, Amarillo, TX 79101.

---