Betty Wray Graham, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully after a life filled with love, service, and devotion to family and faith on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Born on May 31, 1933, in Thomasville, North Carolina, Betty had been a proud resident of Newport News, Virginia, for the past 75 years.
Betty began her professional journey at Newport News Shipbuilding, where she advanced from a secretary to serving as the personal administrative assistant to three presidents of the shipyard. Driven by a desire to continue learning and growing, she later earned her paralegal certification from Thomas Nelson Community College and completed her distinguished career in the shipyard’s legal department.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Betty was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newport News. She served faithfully on the Vestry, in Stephen Ministries, participated in Bible studies, and joyfully supported the church’s Youth Ministry, often as a chaperone on trips. In retirement, she continued to give of her time, volunteering weekly to help count the Sunday offerings.
Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Lola Stone, father, Richard Wray, and brother, Richard J. Wray.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Wendell Graham, of Newport News; her daughter, Wendellyn Worthington (William) of Ellicott City, MD; her grandson, Nicholas Worthington (Mary Beth) of Mt. Airy, MD; her granddaughter, Caroline Ingham (Aaron) of Dillsburg, PA; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Kai and Eliana Worthington, and Anna Ingham.
Betty’s warmth, integrity, and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2nd in the Chesapeake Room of The Chesapeake Retirement Community, 955 Harpersville Road, Newport News.
