Juanita Kress Graham

Published 3:26 pm Monday, May 18, 2020

Juanita Kress Graham, 89, Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020, at her residence after an extended illness.

A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Clara Ensor Kress.

Juanita was of the Baptist faith. She loved working outside.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thurl Graham, who passed away May 4, 2006; five sisters, an infant sister, Thelma Sansom, Shirley Simmons, Jewelene Ingram and Lela Kress Hammitt; and a brother, Clifford Kress.

Survivors include her children, Lenice (Robert) Perry, Elizabethton, James Edward (Marsha) Graham, Bristol, Tenn., and Douglas (Jewell) Graham, Elizabethton; nine grandchildren, Jeremy Perry, Matthew Perry, David Perry, Daniel Graham, Joshua Graham, Seth Graham, Rachel Graham Kiersnowski, Evan Graham and Ryan Graham; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Norman Ingram.

The graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the Kress Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Smitley officiating. Pallbearers will be grandchildren. The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the staff of Amedisys Hospice including Megan, Joni and Sarah, for the excellent care, love and support our mother received. Friends may register their presence from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday until noon. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memmorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Graham family.