Martha Graham Wade
Martha Graham Wade passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, in the company of her husband and daughter.
Martha was born on July 17, 1947, at West End Hospital (now Princeton) to the late Billy and Lois Graham. She grew up in Vestavia and was a member of the first graduating class of W.A. Berry High School in 1965. She attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a degree in Interior Design. While there, she met Kenneth Wade on a blind date. They were later married at Arlington Historical House in 1970.
The couple began their life together on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ, where Kenny was a student in the School of Theology. During some of their time in New Jersey, Martha managed the gift department of Hahne’s Department Store in Newark. They returned to Tuscaloosa in 1973. Their first daughter, Sarah, was born in 1975, followed by Holly in 1978. In 1978, they settled in Bluff Park, where they made their home and raised their family.
Martha approached her role as wife and mother with devotion and quiet purpose. She created a home that reflected her natural sense of order and beauty – a welcoming, composed and thoughtfully maintained ambiance.
Preserving bridal bouquets and flowers was a unique craft that Martha learned from her mother in the garage of the Graham home. Following the death of her parents, Martha moved the work to the basement of the home she shared with Kenny. Martha and her mother served many happy brides by preserving their bouquets and mounting their work in a shadow box.
When her daughters were older, she sought employment at Regions Bank. After retiring, she enjoyed working in a children’s clothing boutique, Sew Precious, where she especially appreciated the friendships and time shared with her coworkers.
She was a longtime member of Bluff Park United Methodist Church and valued the enduring friendships she formed within her church community. She was a member of the Canterbury Sunday School Class. She volunteered her time delivering Meals on Wheels and worked in the Flower Ministry. She enjoyed playing Bunco, Canasta and had recently learned to play Mahjong. She also found pleasure in travel, gathering with family, and staying closely involved in the lives of her grandchildren, with whom she spent as much time as possible.
In September 2025, Martha was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Without hesitation, she chose a palliative course of treatment and entered hospice care at home. In her final months, she continued to live with the steadiness and grace that defined her life, welcoming visits from family and close friends and cherishing time together. Even in the face of a terminal diagnosis, Martha’s wit and playful spirit remained. She found ways to bring laughter into the room and help create memories that her family will cherish. Her family deeply appreciates the compassionate staff of Expect Care Hospice. They worked so kindly with Martha and her family. A special thanks to Jabria Truss, Jessica Macias and Amanda King.
Martha passed away on a sunny Sunday morning – a fitting reflection of her radiant, gracious and elegant nature. Always poised and resourceful, she brought warmth, kindness and steady presence to everyone around her. She preferred the sunny side of the street and taught her family to find joy through difficult times. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Kenneth Wade; her daughters, Sarah Patrick (Chris) and Holly Wade (Kevin); her grandchildren, Morgan Patrick, Blake Patrick, Colt Lawhorn, and Lillie Lawhorn; brother, Billy K. Graham Jr (Jane); and nephews Billy and Jon Graham.
Martha’s funeral will be held on March 7 at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Visitation in the sanctuary will begin at 10 am with the funeral following at 11 am. Nancy Harper of Riverchase United Methodist and Quinten Lochmann of Bluff Park United Methodist will be officiating. Inurnment in the Prince of Peace Catholic Columbarium will take place at 2 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Food Pantry at Bluff Park United Methodist, 733 Valley Street, Birmingham, AL 35226.
