Mrs. Rachel Doris Graham

Rachel Doris (Smith) Graham was born to Elder Gratnie Minor mith and Mary Magdelene (Maggie) Smith on March 11, 1932, in Claremont; Virginia. She was the youngest of 13 children. At an early age, Gratnie and Maggie moved Rachel and their family from Virginia to the state of New York, living in Harlem. After several years, in an effort to e cape the despair of living in the city during the great depression Elder Smith made a final move with his family upstate, establishing a home in South Fall burgh, ew York. Rachel attended elementary chool in ew York City at P 1 . Although she experienced health problems and many hardship as a young child, she was an excellent student. She was outgoing and popular both in school and church. Rachel graduated from high school at PS 136 with exceptional secretarial kill which would carry her professionally throughout her life. She attended secretarial collese for two years. She was employed in numerous executive clerical positions throughout the year retiring from Milwaukee County General Hospital in 1983, after 18 years of service. Being the child of a pastor, Rachel had always been invoked in the church and she gave her life to the Lord at an earl, age. She fellowshipped with other young people at the early Church of God youth convention. At a separate youth outing in 1953, Rachel was introduced to a fine young man named Edward Graham of Hartford, Connecticut. God's hand was on this young couple and after several years of courtship, they were wed on Sunday, June 10, 1956, in Harlem, New York. Due to Edward's employment opporrunities, they immediately relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To this union were born Ragenia Edward [r., Rhenetta, and Indyria Rachel. Rachel always knew she would be involved in the church; always knew she would raise her family in the way of the Lord. However, upon arrival in Milwaukee, they discovered that the largest established Church of God for" egroes" was located in Chicazo. While they visited other churches, Rachel and Edward were initially disappointed at the fact that they could find no Church of God for them. Rachel's dream of attending and raising a family in a large church was not being realized. God intervened again, and through the counsel of her youth leader in New York, was directed to a small "rnis ion" that had been gathering in the home of a Roxie Kern. Through the urging of her mother Maggie, Rachel and Edward joined this small group of mostly children and family members of Roxie Kern and Pauline ash and after some time established what became Northside Church of God. Rachel, "Rae" to family and close friends, was always an active, vital and outspoken member of the Northside family. She was instrumental in establishing the Senior Choir which later became the Sanctuary Choir. She wa the choir directress, serving until she retired in 1986. Over the years, she held the position of church recording secretary, deaconess, assisted in establishing the first Children's Church, and worked with the first Children's and Jr. Choirs. She, along with her "good buddy Roylene Johnson, was known for "pushing the limit" when it came to drama and mu ic. They worked hand-in-hand preparing and presenting music that spanned all genres from hymns (0 spirituals to gospels, intricate classical anthems to complex cantatas. It was under the direction of Rachel and Roylene that the Sanctuary Choir traveled and ministered in song throughout the city and region. The programs and plays they co-produced have etched indelible memories in many young people who are now• adults. She provided counsel to many throughout the years. Racheland Edward were well known for their enormous gift of hospitality. Their home was never too good for the Saints and family. Rachel supported her husband in hosting family reunions for both the Graham and Smith families. They regularly opened up their home to the church and its members hosting picnics, choir parties, Easter egg hunts, youth sleep-overs, both serving and housing vi iring ministers. Even when they moved miles away to Menomonee Falls, often the church van could be seen headed to the Grahams in "The Falls." Rachel was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. God granted her dream of raising her family in the Church of God. She was an active member at Northside and served on the Deaconate Board until she was physically unable to do so. Rachel Graham departed this life on January 18, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gratnie and Maggie Smith. her loving husband of 50 years, Edward Graham; seven brothers; and one grandson, Aaron Bridgewaters. She leaves to mourn in her passing, yet celebrate in her home going, four children, Ragenia Graham, Edward Cecil Graham, Jr. (Karen), Rhenetta Martin (Earl), and Indyria Wilson (Rodney), all from Milwaukee, Wi consin, seven grandchildren, Victoria Banks, Steven, David, and Geoffery Bacon, Alexandria and Alanna Graham, and Lawrence Bridgewaters; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Searles, Naomi Haywood, Bethsheba Young, all of South Fallsburgh, New York, and Orpha Battle of North Port, Florida; two goddaughters, Myra Bynoe and Jasmine Zapata; spiritual daughters, Emma Lyles and Sunella Jones-Ash; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and of course, the Northside Church of God Forever Family.

Mrs. Rachel Doris Graham

March 11, 1932 - January 18, 2016