Mary Evelyn Whaley Graham

Mrs. Mary Evelyn Whaley Graham, 69, a resident of Old New Bern Road in Chocowinity, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

She was born in Wayne County on June 3, 1943 to the late Earl Jasper Whaley and the late Meta Jones Whaley. On May 8, 1964, she married Robert Grey Graham, who survives. On June 22, 1969, they were blessed with a son, Gregory Allen Graham. He was Mary Evelyn’s pride and joy.

Mary Evelyn went back to school and obtained her GED. She went on to college and became a licensed cosmetologist. Mary Evelyn had a business at her home where she did hair for many years. Later in life, she wanted to pursue a career in the health field. She got her Nursing Assistant Certification and started working as an NA. She worked in home health and her last job was at a nursing home in New Bern where she was close with many people. She loved her job and found it very gratifying to help others. She enjoyed working and it saddened her when declining health forced her to retire. She also loved animals and always had pets. Her dogs were precious to her.

Mary Evelyn was a member of Union Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Chocowinity.

Mary Evelyn is survived by her son, Gregory Allen Graham, of Chocowinity; sisters Catherine Carter and husband Ray of Mt. Olive, NC; Shelia Baynor and husband Bonnie of Washington, NC; brothers Earl “Buddy” Whaley Jr. and wife Nina of Richlands, NC; Kenneth “Cookie” Whaley and wife Tammy of Washington, NC; grandchildren Gregory Allen Graham, Jr. and wife Jessica of Chocowinity, NC and Taylor Nicole Graham of Washington, NC; and a great-granddaughter Emarry Rayden Graham. There are also many special nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew.

In addition to her parents, an infant son preceded Mary Evelyn in death.

A private ceremony was held on Sunday July 22, 2012 at the Jones Family Cemetery in Mt. Olive, NC.