August 23, 1948 ~ July 31, 2025 (age 76)
Deidre Shelley Graham, age 76, of Green Sea, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at home after an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 23, 1948, in Marion County, South Carolina, Deidre was the daughter of the late Clyde and Yvonne Shelley. She grew up on the family’s tobacco farm, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and humility—qualities that defined her life. She was predeceased by her brother James “Jimmy” Shelley, her sister Donna Shelley, and her nephew Clyde Douglas Wrenn, each remembered with enduring love.
She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Hoyt “Sonnie” Graham Jr., and her three daughters: Jessica Graham Robinson of Mullins; Shelley Wilson Todd and her husband Jeremy Todd of Loris; and Stacey Graham Fowler and her husband Chris Fowler of Tabor City.
Deidre was the proud grandmother to ten beloved grandchildren: Avery Todd, Ethan Robinson, Jay Dalton Todd, Ezra Robinson, Declan Fowler, Brennan Fowler, Cohan Fowler, Emman Fowler, Sadie Fowler, and Ellie Fowler. She also leaves behind several dear sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply, including her closest friends Ron and Tonyua Herring.
For over 50 years, Deidre served as a dedicated math teacher at Tabor City High (Mrs. Wilson), South Columbus High, Green Sea Floyds High, and Loris High, shaping young minds with patience, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her classrooms were places of encouragement and growth, and her legacy lives on in the students who remember her with gratitude. She always had items in her classroom for students to access like pencils and lotion and she always came home with ink marks on her arms from the overhead projector—a quiet testament to her tireless dedication.
She was a faithful member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church and gave generously of her time and heart—especially through teaching Team Kids and supporting children’s ministry programs. Her spiritual strength and quiet devotion guided everything she did. She was an avid gardener and found joy in the stillness of fishing.
Her life was a living testament to kindness, perseverance, and deep love. Deidre’s legacy continues in the hearts of her family, her community, and everyone whose life was brightened by her presence.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the following: Cherry Grove Baptist Church Team Kids, 9833 Swamp Fox Hwy W, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 206 Warrior Trail Road, Whiteville, NC 28472.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church, Cerro Gordo, NC. Burial will follow in the Cherry Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Rusty Davis, Dr. Jeremy Todd, and Dr. Josh Phillips officiating.
Pallbearers are Thomas Graham, Brandon Graham, Ricky Graham, Allen Strickland, Jody Lancaster, and John Bush.
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City, NC.
