Mrs. Clara Graham Ely, age 82, of Douglas, passed away Monday morning, April 10, 2017, at her residence following an extended illness.
She was born June 5, 1934 to the late Thomas Carlos Graham and the late Jewel Rape Graham. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John M. “J. M.” Ely, a sister, Bert Yawn; and three brothers, Roy Graham, Raleigh Graham and Roscoe Graham.
Mrs. Ely, a native of Coffee County, retired from Coffee County Bank, as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed her family and her church family. Mrs. Ely was a member of Carver Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Saints Sunday School Class.
Survivors include: Her children, Marsha (Buster) Bailey of Waynesville, Ga., Carlos M Ely of Douglas, Ga., and Jeffrey A. (Cindy) Ely of Cumming, Ga., sister Myrtle Smith of Broxton, Ga.; brothers Herman Graham, Ocie Graham and Eddie Graham, all of Fitzgerald, Ga.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, April 12, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home with Rev. Philip Corbean officiating. The interment followed in Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Jerry Bryant, Ashley Thompson, Jim Betsill, Danny Hadsock, Rod Freeman and David McDonald.
Special musical selections “I Can Only Imagine” was presented by CD music, “It Is Well With My Soul” was rendered by Harold Vickers with Patricia Anderson at the keyboard, and “Victory In Jesus” was presented as a congregational hymn led by Rev. Philip Corbean with Patricia Anderson at the keyboard. Prelude and postlude soft hymns were rendered by CD Music.
Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.