Isabella Shaw Graham

Isabel S. Graham of Graham passed away peacefully early Thursday morning October 8, 2026 due to complications following surgery after a fall. She is now reunited with her loving husband Tom who passed away January 31, 1995. She is also joined with her parents Stefan and Jane Pawlak, along with her “Gram” Brown with whom she spent much of her childhood; her sister Betty Canning and brothers Roy, Norman, and Danny Shaw. Isabel was born in Newtownards Northern Ireland and spent her childhood divided between there and England. She and Tom moved to the United States in 1972 along with their children spending time in Rhode Island, Jefferson NC and Oxford NC before settling in Graham.

Isabel was a very talented seamstress and spent many years in the sewing industry as well as sewing at home for herself and her family. She often received requests for help with clothing alterations from many friends and family members and happily obliged for as long as she was able. She was especially proud of the beautiful Daisy Kingdom dresses that she made for her granddaughters. She also loved to knit and made numerous baby sweater outfits that she gifted to others. Isabel loved working with children and exhibited that as a Cub Scout den leader and many years directing the children’s choir at First Baptist Church. It was important to her that the children not only had fun, but also learned something from their experiences. She was a long time faithful member of First Baptist Church of Graham where she sang in the choir, played handbells, and helped in the Starfish ministry. She was also a member of the Alamance Chorale for a number of years where she was able to enjoy her love of music even more. Always a kid at heart, she enjoyed board games, playing cards, badminton, tennis and even some video games. She often took pleasure in winning, especially against the younger generations. She enjoyed traveling and considered herself fortunate to have enjoyed a trip to Hawaii a few years back. She also enjoyed a few trips back to her home in Northern Ireland to visit family there.

Isabel is survived by her daughter Isabel G. Chatman, husband Boyd and their children Amanda C. Knight, husband Grant and Allen B. Chatman III; her son Mark P. Graham, wife Laura and their children Misti G. Seamster, husband Stephen, Mark T. Graham, Miranda P. Graham, Nicholas R. Graham wife Melissa, and Caitlyn A. Graham, partner Seth Byrd; her son T. Peter Graham, wife Dana Sims; her brother David Pawlak, wife Elizabeth and their children Stefan and Natalie; her great-grandchildren Thomas Warren, Stephen Seamster, Veronica Seamster, Sarah Lassiter, Shannon Lassiter, Adalyn Cox, Chazlyn Cox, Amberlyn Graham, and Eden Byrd; her precious fur baby Tippy who thanks to Caitlyn brought her great joy and companionship over the last six years.

Isabel will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family and to her Lord. Her example will forever be engraved in the hearts of those who knew her and her legacy will continue on through them.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 224 N. Main St. Graham, NC with Dr. Chris Howe officiating. Burial will follow in Graham Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Ministry Center of First Baptist Church.