Vera Bynum Graham

Vera Estelle Bynum Graham will be remembered as a kind, selfless, and gentle woman who blessed the lives of all who knew her. She was born in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, on May 23, 1931, to the parents of Clarence and Nema Carter. She had a wonderful childhood with her brothers, Charles and Virgil, and her sisters, Anna Marie and Barbara. She met the first love of her life Earlie B Bynum through her best friend, Altha Maxine Bynum. They married in 1950. For 35 years, they provided love, guidance, and strength to their children and family. They had a daughter Teresa in 1951 who died shortly after her birth. They then raised three daughters Debbie, Diana and Altha De'nise. When Debbie was in high school, the Bynum's hosted an exchange student from Turkey, Hayriye Ilbeyli. Not surprisingly the Bynum family "adopted" her as their own. Vera has loved her as her own daughter ever since. As a Mother, she always taught us to be strong and true to ourselves. She instilled the importance of family. She taught us to love one another unconditionally. She taught us that you showed your love of God through your actions not your words. Everyone was made to feel welcome and accepted in our home. She was our advisor who would listen but not judge or preach. She taught us to love life and find joy and wonder in even the smallest things. In 1985, Earlie B passed away. This was a very difficult time for Vera, but she was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was working as a Medical Receptionist at Orthopedic Associates where she met the second love of her life, Marvin "Scotty" Graham. He has always said Dr. Lockwood fixed his broken hand and Vera fixed his broken heart. Little did he know he also fixed her broken heart. "God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you." They remained devoted to each other and in love to the end. Vera always said it was love you see in the movies and it happened twice for her. During their years together, they enjoyed dancing almost every weekend. Vera loved working in her garden, which was passed on from her Mother and Father. She was especially fond of her roses and her hibiscus plants. She was devoted to her children, Candice, Jessica, Kevin, Esin, Okan, and Josh; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Haden, Carolyn, Adrienne, and Robert. She cherished her in-laws like they were her own including her son-in-laws, Daryl, Stan, and Can; her grandson-in-laws Troy, Matt, and Bill; and granddaughter-in-law Alicia and Seyda. Nothing made her happier than her hours spent with her family and her friends. In the last years of her life, Vera was given the gift of being able to stay at the home that she and Scotty had made. This was made possible by Scotty's determination, love, and some very special loving care-givers, Mike, Melinda, Eloisa, Rolana, Tracey, April, Hazel; and the staff from Crossroads Hospice, including Chaplain Greg. We would like to thank them for their loving care, devotion, and bringing peace and comfort to Vera. Vera's life was a powerful example of generosity, quiet strength, and unconditional love. Memorial Service Sunday, July 13th, 2014 - 03:00 PM Old Trinity of Paseo 3000 N Lee Ave Oklahoma City, OK - 73103 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Vera’a name to one of the organizations listed below or to the charity of your choosing. Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/Oklahoma Tel: 1.800.272.3900 Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation www.crhcf.org/Donate Tel: 1.888.658.4888 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vera Bynum Graham please visit our Sympathy Store.