Mary Sharpe Graham, known by many as Billie, of 334 S. Mitchell Avenue in Bakersville, NC, died on June 11, 2009.

Mrs. Graham was a native of Ashe County, daughter of the late Dr. Arthur and Gertrude Sharpe. Her husband was the late Gwyn Graham, also from Ashe County. She was a graduate of Appalachian State University, known at that time as Appalachian State Teachers College.

After graduation Mrs. Graham taught school in Ashe County for two years. Then she was married to Gwyn Graham. They moved to Bakersville in the early ‘40s where her husband owned and operated Graham's Furniture and Hardware Store.

Mrs. Graham taught school in Mitchell County for thirty years. In her years of teaching she was named Teacher of the Year and received the Mitchell County Terry Sanford Award. The Bakersville Baptist Church was an important part of her life. She was a trustee and served on various committees. She taught a Sunday School class and was the WMU Director. She was a member of Roan Mountain Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron and held other offices as well.

After her retirement from Mitchell County School System, she served as president of the Mitchell County Retired Teachers Organization. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Eta State and served as its president and Regional Director. She served on the Bakersville Town Board and on the Mayland Community College Board.

Mrs. Graham is survived by her children, Sallie and Lowell Dotson of Matthews, NC, Matthew and Carol Graham, of Greenville, SC, Tom and Mary Gwen Wilson of Carrollton, GA. Her grandchildren are Stephen and Christina Dotson of Indian Trail, NC, Chip and Sharon Dotson of Matthews, NC, Harrison and Suzanne Jones of Charlotte, NC, Mike and Brooke Hancock of Greenville, SC, Stephen Graham of Charleston, SC, and Ethan Wilson of Carrollton, GA. She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren and her sister, Phyllis Simpson, of Wilson, NC.

The family will receive friends at Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville on June 21 from 1-3 p.m. A family graveside service will be held at Bakersville Baptist Memorial Cemetery following the receiving of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bakersville Baptist Church, Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville, NC 28705 or to a favorite charity in her honor.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Graham Family.