Eloise Pate Graham

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Eloise Pate Graham, widow of the late Reverend J. Arthur Graham, on November 4, 2024. She was born in Cheraw, South Carolina to the late Sylvester and Nida Pate on December 8, 1931.

In 1949, young Arthur was assigned to a church in Cheraw where Eloise was the pianist. She caught his eye; he caught her eye. It was the beginning of a sixty-three-year love affair. Their partnership not only proved successful in the Christian ministry but also produced four loving and devoted children. Eloise is survived by Elaine G. Misskelley, Arthur Graham, Jr., Kenneth C. Graham (Stephen DellaLana) and Denise G. Lewis (Shelly) and treasured grandson, Simon Z. Lewis. She is also survived by a special former son-in-law, Larry Misskelley.

When her youngest child, Denise, entered kindergarten, she joined her oldest child, Elaine, at Winthrop University hoping to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a teacher. After juggling family, job and church work, she began her career as a special education teacher and advocate. She held positions in Rock Hill, Florence, Summerville and Charleston. (Methodist ministers move a lot!) She eventually retired in 1998 from James Island High School, where she was awarded a plaque by her colleagues dubbing her “Our Lady of Patience”. Even after all these years, she maintains contact with several former students who do not call her Mrs. Graham but Mama Graham. A beautiful legacy.

After retirement, Mother joined Daddy in their little island hideaway where they shared long walks on the beach, bicycle rides around the island, and vacations until his illness began. Mother was a loving and dedicated caregiver for Daddy until his death. After his death she devoted herself to gardening, traveling and spending time with her children.

Special thanks to the dedicated staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Annie, Jennifer P. and Jennifer F.

Her celebration of life service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Isle of Palms, 12 21st Ave., Isle of Palms, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 7, 2024 at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd., between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A private entombment will be held at a later date.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.