Sarah Sumter Graham

Obituary: Sarah Sumter-Graham, the beloved daughter of the late Mrs. Mary Sumter-Dean and a long-time resident of Carver Street in Columbia, South Carolina entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Sarah was born on May 6, 1928 in Columbia, SC. Sarah accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and professed her faith at St Mark Baptist Church at an early age. She continued in her faith and love for others throughout her life. Sarah lived and worked in New York for several years. Upon returning to SC, she worked many years for the South Carolina State Government and for over 50 years she lovingly served as a domestic worker for the Berry family. Sarah known to many as Aunt Sarah, Mrs. Sarah, Mama Sarah, and Grandma, was the kindest, most loving, caring, generous, gentle, compassionate and welcoming person, who enjoyed sharing and spending time with her family. She had a heart of pure gold and a smile that expressed her kind, sweet spirit. Sarah was one of the oldest and most committed members of the Carver Street Community providing leadership, advice, compassion and resources to members of that community for more than 40 years. She considered the Carver Street Community her extended family and truly enjoyed her life there. Throughout her life, Sarah enjoyed cooking, socializing and caring for her family and extended family. Sarah lavished love on all she came into contact with. Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Graham; one son whom she loved dearly, Wilbert Sumter Sr.; one brother, Weston Sumter and one sister, Ruth Ellen Sims. Sarah was also preceded in death by her cousin Rebecca Brown-Adams, they were raised as sisters. Sarah Sumter-Graham leaves to cherish precious and loving memories of her: a dearly beloved brother, William Sumter of Columbia, S.C.; a loving daughter-in- law, Joann Sumter, of Gadsden. S.C.; four grandchildren, Wilbert Sumter Jr of Columbia, S.C., Marcus (Melissa) Sumter of Gadsden, S.C., Michael (Chereta) Sumter of Columbia, S.C. and Karyn Sumter (Edmond) of Gadsden, S.C.; ten great-grandchildren, five great-great- grandchildren and a host of other nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Sarah was also blessed with and leaves to mourn her: a loyal and committed niece, Alberta Weston (Henry), who loved and cared for her with great devotion and a very dedicated great-niece, Cynthia Hamilton. Services: Columbia - Service for Mrs. Sarah Sumter Graham will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, March 3, 2017 at St. Mark Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, 3 to 8pm at the JP Holley Funeral Home, Columbia Chapel. The family will be receiving friends between 6-8pm