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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Patricia Ann

Patricia Ann Graham Profile Photo

Graham

Jul 31, 1946 — Jan 19, 2018

Holly Hill

Obituary

Patricia Ann Boyd Graham, 71, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on Friday, January 19th, surrounded by her adoring family. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018, at Port Orange Presbyterian Church. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018, in Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL. Patricia was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and at age five moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she lived with her mother until graduating C.E Bird High School, where she was an exceptional student, dancer and community volunteer. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University with majors in English and Political Science; a Master of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Guidance and Counseling; and completed additional coursework at Stetson and the University of Central Florida in Administration and Supervision. She began her career as an educator at Thames Jr. High in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 1967, as a teacher of English and continued to perfect her craft in both Kansas City, Kansas, and Clarksdale, Mississippi, while her husband of 44 years, Malcolm J. Graham III, PH.D, who preceded her in death, continued to pursue his academic goals. In 1974 Patsy and her now growing family moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, where she joined her lifelong colleagues at Mainland High School as a guidance counselor and eventually as the Director of Guidance. In 1990, Patricia served as the Assistant Principal in charge of curriculum at Mainland High School, where she eventually led the Buccaneers as Principal for eleven years before retiring in 2007, after directing the design and completion of Mainland's current campus, which will continue to serve the students of our community for many years. During Patricia's career she was awarded Mainland High School Counselor of the Year, Volusia County Counselor of the Year, Commendation from the U.S Department of Education for Publication "Linking for Learning," Seabreeze High School Director of the Year, Volusia County Secondary Principal of the Year for 1999, State of Florida Distinguished Principal for 2000, Daytona Beach Hometown Hero Award for 2007. Patricia's greatest love has always been her family for which she has made endless sacrifices. She was raised by her mother who instilled her daughter with her work ethic, compassion, and loyalty as the foundation of her future service. Patsy was a passionate advocate for the children of Volusia County throughout her 40 years of service. Amos Barrs, one of her dear friends and mentors, recognized in her that she was having particularly challenging day and could sense she needed a lift; he said. "Patsy, some of us were put here on earth to serve...to wash feet and comfort others. I'm one of those people and you may be too. It won't be easy." Along with Amos, Patsy had other mentors that had immense impact on her life. She felt as if Annye Piggote, former Associate principal of Mainland, taught her everything she knew about curriculum and how to support teachers. A passionate advocate of education and a life long learner, she also mentored many other people professionally, spiritually and otherwise. In her last days, the steady stream of people who shared the impact of her on their lives was inspiring and humbling. In her retirement, she and Malcolm, before his passing, traveled extensively to every corner of the world. They both hungered to see and understand the whole of the world around them and enjoyed their time together exploring immensely. A spiritual leader of her family, she taught her sons and daughters to be compassionate, giving, assertive, and loving in both her words and deeds. She loved her family beyond measure. They will forever miss her influence in their lives. She is survived by her sons Malcolm, IV (Meredith), Scott (Theresa), and Patrick (Julie); and her most beloved grandsons Byron, Evan and Conner. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Fidelis Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

January
24

Wednesday

Port Orange Presbyterian Church

4662 Clyde Morris Boulevard, Port Orange, FL 32129

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Graveside Service

January
24

Wednesday

Volusia Memorial Park

550 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Starts at 2:30 pm

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