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After bravely facing pancreatic cancer, Leigh Graham, 78, of Salisbury, North Carolina, passed away peacefully Friday, April 12, 2024. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and moved to Salisbury at the age of 2.
In 1963, Leigh graduated from Boyden High School. She continued to have longtime friendships and always enjoyed attending the reunions. She earned a B.S. in home economics from Women’s College (now UNCG) in Greensboro. Leigh was one of two people from that college selected by Pan-Am Airlines to become a flight attendant. During her tenure with the airline, she lived in New York and Washington, D.C., while traveling to the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and, most often, throughout Europe.
This career move sparked Leigh’s love of travel, which she passed on to her daughter, Melissa, as well as to the many friends she traveled with over the years. She visited 42 U.S. states and more than 40 countries in her life, with many repeat visits to her favorite spots: London and Paris. Leigh returned to Salisbury to start her family and began her next career as an educator. During her 30+ years with Rowan County School System, she taught middle school at West Rowan, Corriher-Lipe, North Rowan, and Knox. Her focus was on home economics and technology. Not one to be idle, Leigh embarked on another career simultaneously. For 18 years, she was a tax consultant for H&R Block at their Main Street location in Salisbury.
A natural creator, she found time for knitting, sewing, cross-stitching and, her favorite, hand quilting. Her creations are beautiful, and she had a great eye for color combinations. She had a shop at the Emporium in Salisbury for more than 22 years, which will remain open until all her pieces have gone to their lucky homes.
Leigh leaves her daughter Melissa (wife Amy, her ‘bonus’ daughter), brother Gary (wife Susan), brother Ken (wife Diane), sister Cindi, mother Margaret, and dearest friend Dottie Rebhan. Leigh was preceded in death by her father, Tommie.
Please consider donating in Leigh’s honor to The Humane Society of Rowan County, PO Box 295, Salisbury, N.C. 28145. She had such a deep love for all her grandpups – past and present.
In celebration of Leigh, who loved to travel as much as she loved a sweet treat, please share pictures of yourself enjoying a pastry, gelato, or apple tart (her favorite) during your travels, using #tartsforleigh on whatever social platform you choose. Let’s keep Leigh’s adventures going.
Leigh wished to extend heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, who were so wonderful during this challenging time.
In lieu of a service, Melissa and Amy will scatter Leigh’s ashes, per her wishes.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Graham family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com and would be greatly appreciated by Melissa.
Stephanie Colby says
Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. From the stories you’ve shared, it’s evident that your mother was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, and wisdom.. Know that the wonderful memories you have of your mom will bring you the strength and peace in the days ahead. Love you, Stephanie and Tim Colby.
Caroline Ferris says
She sounds like an amazing woman Melissa. What a rich life! I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Kitty Wright says
Melissa and Amy and family, as I told you a couple of days ago. I will miss seeing your mom and hearing about her wonderful travel adventures. She was a great friend and all of our classmates will miss her. Bon Voyage Leigh. Hugs, Kitty Price Wright
Holli Perry says
Melissa and Amy,
I was sad to hear this announcement on Friday. Melissa you look just like her, and looks like you had all her wonderful qualities. Big hugs to you both. Holli and Carolyn
John pitchi says
What a nice tribute to your mom! She would have love it, all my love to your family during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always! JP
Cindy Salomone says
What an awesome tribute. She had a wonderful active meaningful life. I so enjoyed the days we spent roaming around St Croix together. My thoughts and prayers will be with you guys, hoping for healing in the future. Cindy Salomone
Patti Secreast says
I am so sorry to learn of Leigh’s death. I had the pleasure of working many yrs @ North Middle with Leigh, and she was an outstanding teacher. Her mom Margaret. often substituted there , and I grew to love her too. Both were greatly respected by staff and students. Leigh was a private and humble person..I had no idea she had been a world traveler and visitor to 42 states. (She probably didn’t want me pestering her to speak to my students about those travels. LOL) I did know how creative she was and also how talented with tax work. She was unique in having so many talents and experiences. And might I add that I love the beautiful photo chosen for her obituary. Rest in peace, Leigh, and know you made an impression and a difference in many lives. My prayers are with alĺ of your family . Patti L Secreast
Tara Pusey says
Even though we never had the pleasure of meeting your mom, our heartfelt condolences go out to you, Amy and the family. She sounds like an amazing woman who lived an exciting life. Cancer is such a cruel disease.
You’re in our thoughts. Love and hugs, Tara & Brian.
Kitty Kimball Lanier says
To Melissa, Margaret, Gary, Kenneth, Cindy, and all your spouses and loved ones, I send my deepest condolences and love. As you know, Leigh and I grew up together just a few homes apart — your home was my part-time home, and my home was her part-time home. Melissa, you and my first-born, Kathryn, were born very close together and, Margaret, you and my mom so enjoyed your new grandchildren at the same time! I have wonderful memories of all our silly and innocent good times on our bikes, at the City Park, skating at the Armory, and giggling like crazy at our made-up games! Such a fun childhood! Leigh and I had a great visit at our last BHS reunion! I shall miss her and cherish our rich history together. God bless all of you!
Bob Wood says
My prayers are with y’all! I had the pleasure of being a classmate of Leigh at Boyden High School. She was a wonderful person with an awesome and wonderful personality. Leigh used empathy and made a difference in many lives during her careers.
Rebecca Stirewalt and Cheryl Ann Welsh says
Mel and Amy, Cheryl Ann and I send our love and sympathy to you both and hope it helps through the days of sadness and grief. We really enjoyed reading about Leigh and it became very clear how close to the tree the apple fell. We see now where a girl from Salisbury got a love of travel and dogs and such a great eye for color and composition and the arts. And your beauty, both inside and out. Let the memories comfort you and bring you joy when you need it most. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Patricia Harriman says
While growing up in the country in Concord, I always looked forward to my city visits with my cousins in Salisbury. I treasure those times with Leigh and her siblings. We even went to the beach a couple of summers and Uncle Tom always did all he could to make it a fun time. Traveling together to Garden City, S.C. all bunched up in the car is a vivid memory worth a smile. I am also a proud owner of one of Leigh’s quilts. Thank you, Leigh for sharing your many talents. You leave behind so much of yourself. Rest In Peace!
Mary(Susan )Menius Daniell says
Melissa and Amy,
I am sorry to hear about Leigh ‘s death. Good memories chatting with her , Aunt Hallie , Margaret &Tom Graham, Glenn, Helen at the Owen home out in the country, nowdays Candlewick Estates…
Blessings to all of Aunt Hallie’s family,
Susan Menius Daniell (New Bern, NC)