Our loving mother, Zelma Howery Graham, 88, of Christiansburg, took flight with the angels on Tuesday,
July 13, 2021. She was born in Floyd on January 15, 1933, to the late Frank and Margaret Howery.
Zell is survived by her son, Everette ‘Marty’ Graham (Jewelynn) of Powhatan, Va.; her daughter, Susan
Camper (Carl) of Riner; as well as sisters Francis Bower of Biglerville, Penn.., and Jane Richwine
(Ralph) of Gardners, Penn.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 68 years, Caswell; her
adored son, Philip Mark; brothers Robert Albert and Paul; and sisters Lillian Hale and Faye Reeder.
When her dad decided to buy a farm in Gettysburg, Penn., she was the only sibling who wanted to move
back to Virginia. Her dreams were joining the service to see the world, but a cute guy named Cas
thwarted her plans. She made up for it later and really enjoyed the trips and cruises she went on. It is still
a mystery just how many bridge couples and canasta clubs she was a member of, but those times with
dear friends were cherished.
She always expressed how important it was to participate and volunteer in the community and she
developed many lifelong friendships from working with the Virginia State Beauty Pageants, the Floyd
Ward School of Dance, the Izaak Walton League, the Montgomery Museum, the polls on every election
day, the Christmas Store, as a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern
Star, McDaniel Chapter #47.
She enjoyed fishing, watching everything grow, baking and sharing, having conversations with anyone,
history, politics, learning about nursing in classes at NRCC because her mother was one, playing bridge
and canasta, and her church family.
Since she was a homemaker, her family had the luxury of her time her whole life. She was a wonderful
and creative mother and just last week said ‘a mother would do anything for her children’ – and that she
did tenfold.
It’s the turn of her family and friends in Heaven now to enjoy her personality again. Mom, we love you,
and will wait our turn again.
Per her wishes, a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the entrance of
Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg, with Arnold Naff officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 220 W.
Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073.
