Marion "Meg" Graham

Marion “Meg” Graham, 77, most recently of Clinton, MA, passed away on September 27^th. She contracted COVID in September 2021 and fought valiantly over this last year the underlying health conditions that COVID exacerbated which in turn resulted in several hospitalizations. As a result, she succumbed to congestive heart failure.

Marion, born to Robert Stanley Graham and Elizabeth Campbell Graham on August 24, 1945, in Altadena, CA. She is survived by her sister Roberta Graham Dellhime, her brother-in-law Sigmund Dellhime, as well as, her four nephews and two nieces Ethan Dellhime, Spencer Dellhime, Robert McNeir, Amy McNeir, Nina McNeir Speranza, and Wayne McNeir. She is preceded in death by her parents,  her sister Robin McNeir and brother-in-law Dennis McNeir.

Growing up in Pasadena, CA Marion graduated from Pasadena High School (PHS) in 1963 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in religious studies at Cal State Fullerton in 1981.

Marion began her career working at Beatles Cafeteria in Pasadena, CA and went on to be a hostess for Continental Trailways bus company. After which, she became a licensed beautician. While working on her bachelor’s degree she was a night-time telephone operator for Pac Bell. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree, she went to work in the insurance industry as a risk manager. She continued in the profession until retiring from Allianz Insurance Company. While in the risk management profession she was actively involved in professional insurance organizations and was most active in a national women’s insurance association.

As a friend she was true and loyal and maintained friendships that go back to her childhood. When she retired in the early 2000’s she relocated from California to Kingsport TN and became active in the First Presbyterian Church, senior groups, and the Red Hat Society.

For a few years after retiring and moving to Kingsport, Marion worked part-time providing in-home care for what she called her pin money, but more importantly she felt as though she was doing something positive for those, she provided care for. Marion was creative and won numerous awards for her needlepoint work. If she saw a craft, she liked she would figure out how to replicate it and was extremely skilled at finishing needlepoint work and in doing mat and finish work in framing. She loved to make things and enjoyed giving them as gifts and you could always find her handiwork scattered throughout her home.

Marion lived a full and vibrant life filled with family and friends. Her nephews and nieces meant more to her than words can describe. When Marion retired, she devoted most of her time to her hobbies, working part-time as a caregiver, and volunteering at her church. Her family will miss her dearly.

At her request, she will be inurned in the Church’s memorial garden and columbarium.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10:30am at First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport. The family will receive friends afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport TN.