Josephine “Jo” Graham, 95 of Granite City, Illinois passed peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Josephine was born on December 9, 1926, in Livingston, Illinois; the daughter of the late Paul and Violet (Sack) Malench.
Josephine was a beautician who ran her shop out of her home. She was a very active member at St. Peter Evangelical United Church of Christ, where she served as a youth group leader and volunteered her time working church dinners. In her free time, Josephine enjoyed her days of hosting holiday gatherings at her home. She was a very talented cook and was known for her crafting and painting abilities and was always up for dancing. Most of all Josephine loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored. Josephine will be remembered for her giving heart and all the special times they shared together.
Josephine is survived by and will be missed by her daughter and son-in-law; Carla and Michael Knott of Collinsville, Illinois; grandchildren, Evan Knott and Ava Knott both of Collinsville, Illinois; sister, Norma Hurbrink; brother, Norman Malench and many other close family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband; Carl H. Graham, whom she married on
November 19, 1965; sisters, Dorothy Raftery, Ann Mason, Barbara Dombrosky, Alvera Eggley.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. In celebration of Josephine’s life, services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jennifer Sowell Glover officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the charity of one’s choice.
