Jewel Graham

Jewel Maxine (Burch) Graham, 90, of Nowata died Sunday, May 8, 2011. Maxine was born February 15, 1921 in Nowata County, Oklahoma, daughter of Troy N. Burch and Ethyl I. (Gibson) Burch. Maxine grew up in the Nowata area, graduating with the Nowata High School class of 1938. Following graduation, Maxine was employed as a telephone operator in Nowata. It was during this time she also corresponded by letter with World War II Army serviceman, Eugene T. Graham. Following his honorable discharge, Maxine Burch married Eugene T. Graham on October 15, 1944 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Eugene's career with Mid-Valley Pipeline Co. would take the Graham family from New Jersey to New York, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio. Upon Eugene's retirement in 1976, Eugene and Maxine returned to the Nowata area where they were members of Hillside Christian Church, the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Maxine found enjoyment in sewing, cooking and gardening and was always devoted to her husband and children. In the last few years, Maxine enjoyed the activities at the Nowata Nursing Home, especially bingo. Maxine was preceded in death by: her parents, Troy Burch and Ethyl (Gibson) Burch; brother, Richard D. Burch; son, Philip I. Graham and husband, Eugene T. Graham. Maxine is survived by: 2 sons: Kenneth E. Graham of Nowata, OK and Daryl M. Graham and wife Lyn of Sandia Park, New Mexico; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; aunt Helen May of Copan; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Services to honor Maxine will be 10:00 am, Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Hillside Christian Church of Nowata. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Nowata. Memorial Donations in Maxine's name may be gifted to the Hillside Christian Church. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online Condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 8:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Service Details

Thursday, May 12th, 2011 10:00am, Hillside Christian Church

Interment Details

Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery