Lola Catherine Graham, 99, of Upper Tract passed away on March 12, 2025, at the Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born on Jan. 20, 1926, at Kline, the daughter of the late William Perry and Leila Grace (Mitchell) Graham.
Ms. Graham was a member of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, where she served as organist for many years, treasure of the church, president of the Church Council, and a Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Women’s Mission Society and the Potomac Valley Women’s Association, where she proudly served as president and chairperson. She also had the honor of being the Lay Worship Leader, chosen to serve by the District Bishop of the Lutheran Chapel.
She was a member of the Upper Tract Rescue Squad and helped to organize the unit. She served as treasurer and a CPR instructor. She was a certified medical technician (14 years), and was proudly awarded Squadman of the Year.
She was a charter member of the former Farm Women’s club. She was very active in her community and was also a member of Ruritan International for 12 years, where she served as chairman and treasurer for different committees.
She was devoted her life to working and had worked for Thompson’s Motel & Restaurant where her duties included office manager/secretary, switchboard operator and tending to Thompson’s Insurance Agency. She had also worked for Franklin Cut Rite as an in-store clerk and secretary/assistant manager and highlighting her skills at Potomac Valley Bank as a secretary/bookkeeping and small business loans.
After numerous years of hard work and a variety of occupations, she retried as postmaster in Upper Tract, after 30 years of service. Her career as postmaster rewarded her with the Postmaster of the Year Award in 1992 and an award for community service volunteering. She was recognized for her dedication and service to the postal service. She was a member of the Potomac Valley PM Association and the Postmaster Association.
She leaves behind nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Garland Graham.
Funeral services were held Monday in the chapel of the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin with Pastor Angela Lambert officiating. Interment was in Mt. Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery at Upper Tract.
Memorials may be made to Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department or Rescue Squad.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
