Lillian Graham

GRAHAM, LILLIAN ANNIE (ANDERSON)-  Lillian Annie (Anderson) Graham was born January 6, 1924 on the ranch west of Crossroads, NM to Robert Anderson and Samantha Bilbrey Anderson. She got her promotion to heaven on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM, Monday, September 30, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Roswell, 500 N. Pennsylvania. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery with Mike Joy officiating.

Lillian married Benjamin Jack Graham in Carrizozo, NM on March 30, 1942. They settled on the ranch in Caprock, NM and started their family. Anetta Graham Carpenter and Hugh Robert Graham were her children. Jack passed away January 13, 1965. She traveled extensively with friends. Lillian went to work at Sheplers Western Wear until it closed in 1987. She then went to work at Roswell Livestock and Farm Supply in the clothing department. Lillian loved seeing all of her customers walk out the door in new boots, hats or clothes. She retired from there at the age of 92 in 2016. She loved working in the public and never met a stranger.

Lillian was part of many civic organizations. She served as the State President of New Mexico Cowbelles. She served as the leader for many years in Lea County. She was also active in the Roswell Home Garden Club. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the driving force in her life. She served as a Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church in Caprock. When she moved to the ranch east of Roswell, she became a member of the First Baptist Church of Roswell.

Her family was her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Walter and sister, Ludell. Her husband, Jack Graham and daughter Anetta Carpenter. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Hugh Robert Graham (Bridget) and son-in-law David Carpenter (Pat). Grandchildren D’Aun Pierce (Mike), Ross Carpenter (Tammy), Lauricia Matuska (Doug), Royal Celum (Lori); great grandchildren are Skyler Pierce (Molly), Sterling Pierce, Ben Gray, Jake Carpenter (Kassi), Katie Ragland (Jeremy), Ethen and Logan Matuska, Morgan and Mason Celum; great great grandchildren are Luke and Knox Pierce, Kross and Dane Carpenter, Karli Carmosino, Keylee and Kamry Ragland.

Grandmother Lillian was truly the last of a dying breed. Part of the greatest generation, she lived through the many changes that technology brought to this country. She lived a life that served as a model of excellence for any Christian woman. With her there was only right and wrong, hard work and true grit. Her life cannot be summed up in one column of a paper, but in the end she would encourage us all to eat more meat and potatoes, smile BIG and Love Jesus.

Pallbearers will be Jake Carpenter, Skyler Pierce, Sterling Pierce, Jeremy Ragland, Ross Carpenter and Mike Pierce.