Garris Graham

Garris Graham, 68, passed away on October 18, 2022 at her home in Urbana surrounded by family.

Garris was born on December 10, 1953 in New York City, New York. She lived in Brooklyn, NY, Syosset, NY, San Bernardino, CA, Yigo & MongMong, Guam, Dover, DE, Solano County, CA, Rantoul, IL and finally in Urbana, IL for 21 years.

Garriss extensive education included Western Connecticut State College, Parkland College, Illinois State University and a Masters of Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Garris is survived by her husband, Stewart, daughters Wednesday (Richard) Medlen of Rantoul, Melynda (Matthew) Rokke of Rantoul, Sarah (Tim) Loftus of Savoy, stepsons Jeffrey (Cassie) Graham of Normal, Douglas Graham (Heidi Cray) of Portland, Maine, lifelong friend of 58 years, Joanne Cavera of Dumot, New Jersey and God-family: Mauricio, Ana, Logan and Dominick Vieira.

Garris taught English Language Arts for 24 years. She began her career in Ludlow, IL and continued on to teach at Eater Jr. High School in Rantoul, IL until her retirement 2017.

Garris was a voracious reader and avid world-traveler. She and Stewart traveled to many exciting locations throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Europe-including Ireland. She also loved doing genealogy research and was able to locate and connect with several distant relatives through her research. Her greatest joy was her grandkids: Andrew Rokke, Gavin Martin-Loftus, Bridget Loftus, Lawrence Rokke, Maggie Loftus, Brennan and Archer Graham.

A celebration of Garriss life will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Urbana on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The visitation will begin at 10am with a service to follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mills Cancer Institute, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, or Eater Jr. High School Library.

Cremation rites have been accorded at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. in Champaign, IL. 61820

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com