Joy E Graham, 87, passed away September 5, 2025 at Summer Breeze Senior Living on Wilmington Island, Georgia.  Born August 23, 1938 to Frank Augustus and Winifred Graham, she graduated from Young Harris Academy and the University of Georgia where she was an Alpha Delta Pi.  She taught school for 33 years and volunteered at Navy Relief and the Columbus, GA Art Museum.

After many moves, she ended up living on Wilmington Island, GA and was a member of the Wilmington Island Methodist Church.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing bridge, reading, old movies, and plants.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by:  her brothers Frank Graham, Jr., Felder Sharp Graham, and John Pietro Graham; her Uncle Winston Felder (Winifred); her half-niece Tove Graham Gemmell; her beloved child Ella Graham Merritt who was taken in infancy; and the father of all 4 of her children, her former husband Dr. Thomas Burton Merritt (Honey).

Surviving are:  her sons Thomas Burton Merritt, Samuel Graham Merritt, and John Felder Merritt; and her niece Ivey Graham Peterson (Tod).  Also surviving are half-nieces and nephews:  Francis Augustus Graham, Susan Graham Stockstill, and George Hollister Graham.

Special thanks are owed to her friend Rhonda Godbold who provided friendship and help during her final days as well as the entire community at Summer Breeze who filled her last days with community and assistance.

Donations in her memory may be made to American Heart Association, Young Harris Academy, or any charity of your choice.  However, to really get into the correct spirit, donations can be made at Chu’s Mart, 7726 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Savannah, GA 31410.  The appropriate donation is $40 per day (no more, no less) into the slot machine -- try to get the machine second closest to the door.

In the end she wasn’t in pain, she wasn’t afraid, and she was never alone.  She was loved her entire life . . . and still is.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Wilmington Island Methodist Church.