AUGUSTA, Ga. - Wilhelmina Edith Johnson Graham was the fourth child of five and the only girl born to Mary and Granderson Johnson on May5, 1907 in Appling, Georgia. She was affectionately known to her family and friends as"Billie." She passed away February 28, 2008. She professed her hope in Christ at an early age at Second Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where her great-grandparents, Ben and Isabella Johnson were charter members and co-founders. She attended grammar school In Columbia County; however, she had the opportunity to continue her secondary education at the Lucy Laney Comprehensive High School in Augusta, Georgia. Having graduated with honors in 1926, she received a full scholarship to Atlanta University. While at Atlanta University, she became a distinguished lady of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. In August of 1932, she joined in marriage to Isaiah Josephus Graham Jr., a former classmate from Atlanta University, who preceded her in death. They made their home in Memphis, Tennessee. To this union two sons, Isaiah Josephus III, and George Wesley III were born. The family worshiped with Metropolitan Baptist Church where they were active members. She took a teaching job at Cooperative School which was Lemoyne College's campus school. She taught at several other schools in Memphis. Wilhelmina returned to Augusta in 1955 when her parents built the home on Washington Rd. She taught at Appling Community School, Blanchard High School and then was transferred to Evans High School, where she completed her teaching career. She was named, Columbia County's Teacher of Year. She became a Jehovah's Witness around the age of 55. She was a baptized witness until her death. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Isaiah J. "Sonny" Graham III (Sylvia), a daughter-in- law, Eleanor Graham; seven grandchildren, Audrey Smith, Jacquelyn Graham, Isaiah J. Graham IV(Michelle), Julius William Graham (Deborah) and E. J. Carr; fourteen great-grandchildren; four great- great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Evans. The family will receive friends Friday night from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Historic Dent's Undertaking Establishment serving the CSRA since the 1800's.

The Augusta Chronicle-March 7, 2008