On Thursday, the 26th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, God gazed down from the heavens and requested the spirit of Effie B. Graham, a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Effie departed this life at home in Rockford, IL, at approximately 7:07 A.M.

Effie was the third child of the Late John Allen Sr. and Late Ora Dee Anderson Allen. She was born in Sallis, MS, on March 19, 1954. She was a woman full of energy and life, and she truly brought joy to her family.

Effie received her early education at Long Creek Elementary School. She was a 1974 Graduate of McAdams High School.

At an early age, Effie confessed a hope in Christ and joined the New Banyon Church Family. After relocating to Rockford, Effie joined St. Paul Church of God in Christ.

She met the love of her life when she relocated to Rockford, IL. She was united in Holy Matrimony with James Lenzy Graham Sr. on June 24, 1978. They remained devoted to one another until his death on September 20, 2013.

Effie legacy will live on through her daughter, Kimberle Graham, and son, Kevin Graham, both of Rockford, IL; James (Vera) Graham of Rockton, IL; and Michael Graham of Little Rock, AR. She leaves four sisters: Peggie (Wess) Canada, Brenda (Albert) Riley, Karen Allen of Rockford, IL, and Sandra Allen (Durant, MS). She also leaves two brothers John (Jonise) Allen Jr., Kenny (Anna) Allen of Sallis, MS. She leaves her sister-in-law Barbara (Dexter) Davis of Rockford, IL, Genniev Allen (Sallis, MS), Elnora Campbell (Fayetteville, NC) and brother-in-law Bobby (Ruth) Graham of Rockford, IL.

She leaves 22 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews, including a special daughter-in-love Zena Day.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Ora D. Allen, her husband, J. Lindsey Graham Sr., her brother, Larry J. Allen, her sister, Linda Faye Allen, and her daughter, DeShaun Graham.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025 at St. Paul Church of God In Christ 1001 Bishop Washington Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.