Shirley Elaine Ross Graddy was born on January 31, 1939, to Evell and Winnie Mae Howell Ross.

She was the youngest of five girls; three sisters preceded her in death.

At the age of nine, she became a member of Limestone Baptist Church in Gaffney and continued to be an active church member throughout her adult life.

Shirley was a proud 1957 Granard High School graduate. In 1960, she wed Samuel L. Graddy II, and to this union were born three children — Monica, Angelette, and Samuel III.

In 1971, after a move to Atlanta, Ga., she became a member of Providence Baptist Church where she remained until her move to Edmond, Okla., in 2001.

While in Oklahoma she became a member of Word of God Family Church in 2004 where she served faithfully until her illness.

Shirley is survived by her children; one sister, Betty Lightner of Manhasset, Long Island, N.Y.; two adopted brothers, Richard and Norman Howell; six grandchildren, Samuel IV, Kelly, Sokari, Ochije, Dominica, and Ayana; as well as one great granddaughter, Brooklyn. She also leaves behind 5 nieces; 4 nephews; and her lifetime friend, Elaine Fields. The family is especially grateful to the members of Word of God Family Church and everyone who helped to support us in word and deed.

Ms. Graddy’s family will be receiving friends and family during a visitation time from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Crawford Family Funeral Service in Edmond. A service to celebrate her life was on Wednesday, June 16, at Word of God Family Church in Oklahoma City under the direction of Crawford Family Funeral Service.