Mary Janell Graham

Danville – Mary Janell Graham, 90, of Danville passed away at 7:44 AM on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at The Villas of Hollybrook. She was born on July 16, 1936, in Manhattan, KS to Wilfred and Lucille (Murray) Farrell. She married Ralph M. Graham, Jr. on December 27, 1958. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2023.

She is survived by her six children, Shann Kathleen Graham of Danville, Christopher James (Ann) Graham of St. Joseph, Mark Farrell (Sue) Graham of Wauwatosa, WI, Michael Patrick (Jim) Graham of Westville, Anthony Manion (Stephanie) Graham of Commerce Township, MI, and William Drew (Jennifer) Graham of Delafield, WI; 8 grandchildren, Ashley (Ben) Gorman, Rachel (Austin) Dallas, Hannah Graham, Morgann Graham, Eric (Paige) Graham, Sarah (Fiancé, Taylor Soukup) Graham, Nicholas (McKenzie) Graham, and Timothy Christman; 9 great grandchildren, Chase, Jack, Olivia, Riley, Ellie, Vivianne, Bella, Lucas, and Arianna; and three sisters, Kathleen (Mike) Riordan, Tana Farrell, and Marylu Farrell.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bill Farrell, Jr., sister Patricia Wareham, a daughter-in-law Elizabeth Graham, grandson Steven Graham, and granddaughter Amber Weiss.

After graduating from Monsignor Lucky High School in Manhattan, KS in 1954, Janell went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1958. She began working as a secretary in the Washburn University Athletic Department in Topeka before moving on to a position in the Personnel Department at The Toro Company in Tomah, WI. Janell then worked at the Illiana VA Medical Center in Psychology Services until her retirement in 1998.

In addition to her career, Janell served many others through her volunteer work. She helped provide loving end-of-life care with St. Elizabeth’s Hospice, Lakeview Hospice, and the Carle Hospice programs. She also gave time to the DACC Literacy Program, Vermilion County CASA Program, Habitat for Humanity of Danville, and the St. James United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

Mary was an avid reader and always looked forward to a good walk with family or friends.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mary Janell Graham will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Cremation rites will be accorded and Janell will be laid to rest beside her husband at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please join Mary Janell Graham’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.