Ida Bryant Graham

The Life & Legacy of Ida Mae Graham

"Father in Thy gracious keeping, leave we now Thy servant sleeping."

A Time to Be Born… Ida Bryant Graham was born August 16, 1933 to Milo and Elizabeth Bryant. She was a 1953 graduate of North Boston Colored High School, in Boston, GA . She primarily worked as a domestic and a sewing factory employee for most of her work history. She was a devoted wife and mother to six children.

A Time to Love… In August of 1956, Ida Mae Bryant and James Graham were joined in holy matrimony. James and Ida Mae were married for 65 years, raising six children, Lorenzo (Sandra) McDowell, Lloyd, Joseph, James, Ramona, and Frederick (Charlene).

A Time to Serve... Ida lived briefly in Cleveland, OH after marrying the love of her life. Then, they made a good home in Miami FL for over 25 years. Upon leaving Miami and returning to her birthplace she continued her community service with the American Red Cross. She worked for Joan Art Mills as a seamstress and garment inspector. Ida also worked for Ivey Sewing Factory as an inspector. She enjoyed the attention to detail which her job required. Another pastime of Ida was making her famous biscuits and jelly. She would make jelly out of any fruit available. It was always a delicious treat for everyone who stopped by. Ida gave her life to Christ at the age of 14. She joined Mt. Moriah MB Church. When she moved she transferred her membership to Second Baptist MB Church, Miami, FL and served as an usher for many years. Upon reconnecting with Mount Moriah MB Church, in 1976, Ida became an usher and Sunday school teacher. As the mother of the church she vacated those roles to guide others in the role of Missionaries until her health no longer allowed. Ida was an adamant fisherman; her eyes would light up at the sight of a body of water. She often would tell stories of her childhood of fishing with her father. The only thing she loved more than fishing was serving the Lord. She was a Godly woman, a true example of a virtuous woman. Ida loved working for the Lord and serving Him. As she put it, she has done everything at Mt. Moriah except, "preach". Mother Graham loved Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, where she supported it until her death.

A Time to Mourn… Our family sadly lost our matriarch on October 18, 2022. Mrs. Ida Mae Bryant Graham, favorably known as Mama, Grandma, Mother Graham, and Aunt Ida passed away after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James Graham, in November 2021; her parents Milo and Elizabeth Bryant; Siblings: Elbert, Ulysses, Zack, George, William, Ella Mitchell, Janie Lee Clark, Martha Hughes, and Ruby Bynum. Mother Graham is survived by her loving community of Mt. Moriah and her children: Lorenzo (Sandra) McDowell, Rev. Lloyd C. Graham, Joseph Graham, James A. Graham, Ramona Codling, and Frederick (Charlene) Graham and 27 grandchildren. Mrs. Graham is also survived by three siblings, Elizabeth Lorene Williams, Only, Sam (GiGi) Bryant, Goddaughter Raven Howard and a host of other relatives.

"Sunset and evening star and one clear call to me, may there be no crying at the bar when I set out to sea."