Zoratia (Isom) Graham

The sun set on the earthly life in the early hours of November 23, 2018 for Mrs. Zoratia Isom Graham.  Zoratia was born June 14, 1932 in Newport, SC to the late Hall Isom and Laura Gilmore Isom.  She lived in South Carolina until she left to live in New York, NY at the age of 20.

Zoe, as she was affectionately called, had a zest for life.  She loved traveling, especially abroad, seeing places all over the world.  She loved photography, and was often found snapping photographs.  Zoe also loved to bake, especially her delicious German chocolate cake.

She loved her family dearly, and would do anything for them.  Everyone who knew her would glean from her wisdom and sharp wit.  Zoe was especially fond of her hats and believed that you should not enter a place of worship without one.  She would often chastise her nieces for not doing so!

Zoratia joined Greater Calvary Baptist Church at an early age.  There she worked tirelessly on Saturdays to feed and clothe those in need.  At Greater Calvary she was a devoted member serving on various committees.  She later renewed and moved her membership back to Union Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Zoratia is preceded in death by her husband, Selesta Graham; her brothers: Benjamin, William James Isom, Sr. and Joseph Nathaniel Isom; her sisters: Beatrice Isom Dunbar, Hannah Isom Lowery, Cornelia Isom Douglas, and Ola Mae Isom.  Contemporaneous in spirit, her sister-in-law, Mabel Isom, passed away on November 28, 2018 in Gastonia, NC.

Those left to cherish fond memories include her two sons, Robert Isom (Lolly) of Hampton, Virginia, and Preston Isom of Bronx, NY; twin sister, Lauratia Isom Williams of York, SC, and sister, Louise Isom Harris of White Plains, NY; granddaughter, Christine Brooks of Miami, Florida; grandson, Jamal Isom of New York, NY; a special and devoted niece, Dr. Gwendolyn Bramwell, of New York, NY; a special great-niece and husband who helped care for her, Deja Bramwell Granderson (Nicolas); a beloved godson, Scott Miller; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Zoratia will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

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