With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Earnestine S. Graham, 81 who passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Life Reflections

Mother Earnestine Spates Graham was born on March 11, 1944, to the late Hubert and Blanche Spates in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. She answered the call to go home to her Heavenly Father on January 1, 2026.

Earnestine was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County and was a dedicated homemaker to her husband and family.

She accepted her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church in Lake City, SC. She loved to sing and give praises to God and enjoyed singing on the church choir.

Earnestine was a dedicated homemaker who loved on her family and others in various ways. Whether by cooking a big meal or just offering words of wisdom to her children, grandchildren, loved ones and those she met, she was willing to express how much she valued them. She showed unconditional love towards all and was a praying woman.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Claude Graham, Jr and to this union they shared seven children.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Graham, Jr; a daughter, Mary Nell; two sons, John Earl and James Graham; four brothers and two sisters.

Earnestine leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Ronetha Gray and  Diane Verner, both of Johnsonville, SC; two sons, Claude (Jannie) Graham, III of Johnsonville, SC and Joseph Graham of Darlington, SC; bonus daughters, Ruby (Lee) Linen and Michelle (Wilson) Lewis, both of Hemingway, SC and Geneva Washington of Florence, SC; three special nieces, Sheila Graham and Teresa (Willis) Floyd, both of Lake City, SC and Deborah (LeeLee) Evans of Columbia, SC; a special nephew, Joe L. Graham of the home; a brother, Sammie Davis Spates of Florida; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Taylor of Lake City, SC; a brother-in-law, Laverne (Vivian) Graham of Florida; very special neighbors, Chris and Shirlene Frazier of Johnsonville, SC; a special caregiver, Lira Page of Johnsonville, SC; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her legacy of love, compassion, and devotion will be remembered and cherished forever.

The family is receiving friends and family at her late residence, 455 E. Hwy 378, Johnsonville, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.