Pearl Ivey Graham

Pearl Ivey Graham, age 96 of Laurel Hill, passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born on June 11, 1928, in St. Paul, North Carolina, to Dewey Ivey and Viola Parker Ivey.

Growing up in Springfield, North Carolina, Pearl was the oldest of seven children. She married her husband, Marion “Buck” Graham, on February 15, 1947, at the age of 18. Together, they raised their two beloved children, Carolyn Diane and Marion Wayne, in Bayfield, surrounded by loving family and friends.

A devoted woman of faith, Pearl dedicated her life to serving God and others. She began her professional career at Morgan Mills (later Springs) in the spinning department. After many years of dedicated service, she moved to Wagram/J.P. Stevens in the office. Following a brief retirement, Pearl returned to work at Service Thread, where she was known for her remarkable work ethic, which continued until she retired for good at the age of 89.

Pearl became a widow on July 9, 1982, when she lost the love of her life, Buck, to cancer. A lifelong church-goer, she was an active member of Springfield Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she loved to sing, play the piano and organ, and generously shared her time and talents with others. Pearl often won awards for having the most family members in attendance and those who traveled the furthest to worship with her. Her unwavering faith and love for Jesus Christ were the cornerstones of her life; she read her Bible through eleven times and had begun her twelfth reading earlier this year. In her later years, she was a member of Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she was a faithful attendee until her illness.

Pearl cherished her family and friends, often visiting her children, grandchildren, and extended family until the very end. Her love and empathy touched everyone she met, reflecting her deep commitment to serving others and spreading kindness and God’s love.

At home, Pearl enjoyed reading her Bible, watching Hallmark movies, and visiting with loved ones. She loved spending time at the beach and was known for her spontaneous adventures with family, driving up until her diagnosis in early August of this year.

Pearl is survived by her son, M. Wayne Graham (wife Laurie) of Holden Beach, NC; her son-in-law, Jim Lamb (wife Carolyn, deceased) of Mint Hill, NC; beloved grandchildren Kenny Lamb (wife Suzanne) of Harrisburg, NC; Angela Price (husband Jeff) of Matthews, NC; Bradley Lamb (girlfriend Marianne Smith) of Mint Hill, NC; Gerrit Graham of Laurel Hill, NC; and Jennifer Graham Champion (husband Jeff Champion “Champ”) of Chattanooga, TN. She is also survived by cherished great-grandchildren Dylan Lamb, Austin Lamb, and Haley Price (fiancé Christian Little), along with many beloved nieces and nephews. The family has lost their matriarch.

Pearl was predeceased by her husband, Marion “Buck” Graham, over 42 years ago, her six siblings, and her cherished daughter, Carolyn Diane Lamb, just six months ago.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Delores “Lois” McPhaul, Menar “Mimi” Malloy, Felecia Hunt, and Christine Strickler for their compassionate care and love for Ms. Pearl. They would also like to thank Richmond County Hospice and Heaven’s Anointed Touch Home Care for their dedicated care and kindness.

Service Details are as follows:

Wednesday, October 16th

12:00 - 2:00 PM - Visitation at Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel in Laurinburg, NC

2:30-3:30 PM - Lay in State at Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church

3:30 PM - Funeral Service at Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church

Graveside Service at Hillside Memorial Park immediately following

Pearl will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of unwavering faith, devotion to family, and boundless love will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Pearl was truly a beacon of light in this world, and its glow feels a little dimmer without her presence. May she rest in eternal peace.

2 Timothy 4:7-8  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

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