Bettie "Gran Bettie" Lou Holloway Graham

Bettie "Gran Bettie" Lou Holloway Graham, age 77, of Vancleave, MS., died Monday, January 10, 2011, in Hattiesburg, MS. At the time of her death, she was a resident of Covington Ridge Personal Care Home in Collins, MS. She was born on February 4, 1933, in Jones County, MS., to Ellis and Audie Holloway and was a lifelong resident of Vancleave. She was formerly employed as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office, a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of Martin Bluff Baptist Church in Gautier, MS. The things that gave her the most pleasure were playing the piano, singing hymns, church work, the Order of the Eastern Star and working jigsaw puzzles. The three most important things to her were God and church, family and country. Words of wisdom she gave her children and grandchildren were "all people are created equal in the sight of God. However, the way we look at everyone is a little different. Always look for the good in people as there is a little good and a lot of bad in all of us. Always be honest, have morals and be dependable. It has been a blessing watching you accomplish the different things in your life. To see your eyes sparkle as you explain them or demonstrate how you did it. I rejoiced when you won, cried when you lost and prayed while you tried. I was most proud of you when you are in church and singing praises to God. I see each of you as winners and I love you unconditionally. She was preceded in death her spouse, Robert A. Graham, Sr., daughter, Edith Smith and her parents. Survivors include four sons, R. Wayne (Brenda) Smith of Gautier, MS., F. Daniel (Lexie) Smith of Seminary, MS., Robert "Robby" (Princess Lee) Graham of Laurel, MS., and Richard "Rick" Graham of Vancleave, sister, Joan Thompson of Jackson, MS., and four brothers, Jerry (Peggy) Holloway of Wilmer, AL., Billy Joe (Linda Gail) Holloway of Taylorsville, MS., Terry Holloway of Laurel, MS., and Mickey (Lanette) Holloway of Soso, MS., grandchildren, Angelique Smith, Candice (Gerald) Bailey and Christin Smith, all of Gautier, Michael (Katrina) Smith of Seminary, MS., Danielle (Jeremy) Campbell of Atlanta, GA., Nathan (Rebecca) Smith and LeAnn (Brent) Wade, both of Seminary, MS., Cherie (Robert) Burdette of Laurel, MS., Kathleen Graham of Laurel, MS. and Spence (Katey) Graham of Houston, TX., great-grandchildren, Peyton Smith, Kyle Smith and Ryan Smith all of Seminary, MS., Benjamin Graham of Houston, TX. and Emma Bailey of Gautier, MS.and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, from 9 am until 10:30 am, with a 10:30 am church service at the Martin Bluff Baptist Church in Gautier, MS. with an Eastern Star Service. There will also be a visitation that afternoon from 2 pm until 3 pm at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Laurel, MS. A 3 pm graveside service will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nathan Smith, Brent Wade, Robert Burdette, Jeremy Campbell, Mark Glass and Ryan Windham. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Clergy will be Dr. Frank O. Rice, Martin Bluff Baptist Church, Gautier, MS. and Rev. Irvin Holston, Willow Grove Baptist Church, Collins, MS. The family would like to thank the staff and owners at Covington Ridge Personal Care Home in Collins, MS. for all their love and care of our beloved "Gran Bettie". In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to the Martin Bluff Baptist Church, 7417 Martin Bluff Rd., Gautier, MS. 39553 or Willow Grove Baptist Church "Bus Fund". 979 Willow Grove Church Rd., Collins, MS. 39428. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. .