Vertia Bell

Graham

Mrs. Vertia Bell Bourne-Graham departed this life early Saturday, July 9, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Vertia Bell Graham was born on May 2, 1925, to the union of her beloved parents Aaron and Sarah Bourne in Prentiss, Mississippi. She was the third oldest of sixteen children.

Vertia had to leave school at an early age to help with family responsibilities. Vertia, at a mature age went on to complete her studies, obtaining her General Educational Development (GED) Certificate in the 1980's. After a courtship with the late, David Graham Sr. they married on August 28, 1942, in Prentiss, Mississippi. Soon after, they grew their family size to ten. Vertia and her family relocated to Muskegon Heights, Michigan to provide a better living for their family. Vertia attended Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W.L. Stewart and later moved her membership to New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Vertia was affectionately called "Mother" by many. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Vertia was faithful in serving the Lord. She was devoted to the Usher Board, Deaconess Board, and Kitchen Ministry. In the home, Vertia made sure that her family was very well taken care of. She was a seamstress, cook, gardener, and just overall who the Lord called her to be. Vertia loved the Holidays. This was a time that her family would all come together to enjoy quality time and she prepared all her delicious homemade meals in her kitchen. Vertia was a very serious person, but oh when she found something funny to laugh about, her laugh was so full and contagious…everyone was soon to be laughing and not knowing why!

Sis. Vertia B. Graham is survived by one sister, Jessie Pittman, two daughters, Joyce E. Jemison, and Carolyn S. Dennie, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, friends, and extended loved ones.

Mrs. Vertia B. Graham was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mr. David Graham Sr., Father, Aaron Bourne, Mother, Sarah Bourne, Siblings: L.J Bourne, Evan Roy Bourne, Enouch Bourne, Sons: Sylvester Graham, David Graham Jr, James C. Graham, and Spenciel R. Graham, Daughters: Evelyn J. Graham and Edna B. Barnes.