Katherine M. Graham

Katherine M. Graham, born on March 4, 1938, in Livingston, TN, peacefully departed this life on January 21, 2026, in Cookeville, TN. She was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence touched the lives of many. Her life was a testament to her faith, family, and community, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Katherine married Richard Graham on July 9, 1960 in White County. The two shared a deep and lasting bond. She is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law Barbara Johnson and Joan Graham; as well as her cherished nieces and nephews, Christy (Tim) Judd, Patricia (Ed) Bush, Julie (Joey) Brymer, and Randy Johnson, and many cousins who will hold her memory dear.

A devoted member of the East Sparta Freewill Baptist Church, Katherine dedicated over 50 years to teaching Sunday school and directing the children’s choir. She was a keen gardener, baker, and homemaker. She and Richard enjoyed taking their Ford Fairlane to classic car shows and watching Vanderbilt basketball games.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Elmo Johnson and Willette Pennington Johnson, and her brothers, Kenneth Johnson and Gene Johnson, as well as her brother-in-law David Graham, sister-in-law Val Johnson, and nephew Ricky Johnson.

Visitation will be held at Thurman Funeral Home in Sparta, TN, on January 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, interment to follow at Old Bon AIr Cemetery on the same day. Officiating will be Paul Taylor.