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GRAHAM Ann Allen Graham, 65, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Ann was born in Jacksonville to John Edward Graham, Sr. and Merilyn Baker Graham on January 3, 1951. Ann graduated from Lee High School in 1969 and went on to attend Auburn University. After graduating from Auburn, she came back to Jacksonville and worked with her father at the family business, Graham Boat Yard, on the Ortega River. Ann was an avid swimmer and enjoyed swimming with the Master Swimming Program in Jacksonville during this time. After the family business was sold, Ann left Jacksonville and proudly served our country in the United States Army. She had achieved the rank of Sergeant at the time of her retirement. It was while she was in the army that she met her husband, Ronald Alan Briese. After their service to our country, Ann and Ron returned to Jacksonville and opened Yard Art, a landscaping business. She then went on to work with the Wilson family at General Graphics, where she worked until shortly before her death. Ann loved the beach and was known for her year round tan (her nephew and niece fondly referred to her as Aunt Tan). On most weekends you could find her working on her tan. Ann is pre-deceased in death by her parents; loving husband, Ronald Alan Briese; brother-in law, Charles Wisecarver; and nephew, Brice Wisecarver. Ann is survived by three sisters; Susan Graham Herd, the twins, Merilyn Graham Goldschmid and Ruth Graham Wisecarver, her brother; J. Edward Ed Graham, Jr., and their families and long time friend, Mary Dick. A celebration of Ann's life will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2:00 at Bella Sera, 919 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.
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M Jane Johnson (Johnson)
Ann was always such a special person, so sweet and always so supportive of her friends. We went from Stockton through Lee together and I think we might have gone to Mrs. Archibald's together too. We were in a lot of activities together growing up and I always really enjoyed being friends with Ann. I also enjoyed seeing her and catching up at te reunions. She would recall things I had done in school, incredible that she would remember them and comment. She will surely be missed by so many of our class who knew her from school and the neighborhood. Wish I could have made it to her service but the 2016 blizzard had other ideas. Sending my love to her family.
Lynne Pattishall (Cater)
It is with great sadness that I learned of Ann's passing; please accept my heartfelt condolences to her family.
I will remember Ann fondly and have wonderful memories of many times spent with her and fellow friends during those younger years.
I have enjoyed reading memories from neighborhood friends like Jane, Donna, and Ken.
I also remember Stockton Elementary, Lakeshore Middle School, Lee High School. As well as participating in Girls Scouts and competitive swimming at FYC. I know that Jane and Donna can remember Ann having the best backyard playground on Nottingham Road.
I know that Ann leaves behind a wonderful family and friends that will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Thomas Ray Vittum
Ann was always such a special person, so sweet and always nice to me. She was my 1st date in High School and I remember spilling a mike shake on her during the date. That is how nerviest I was. She took me out on the boats from the boatyard, took me skiing, and talked to me in school and so on and so on. I sent to her an email one time that was not meant for her and she laugh and told me all the men at her work place enjoyed it, but please do not make them happy again. She had so much class. I have very fond memories of her and several others from Lee. We are all now in our 60’s and will soon be moving on, some later than others. We all have memories of each other, so tell the living how much you enjoyed them while you can. I will remember you Ann, your sweetness and the kindness you showed to me.
Tom Vittum
Donna Loomis (Arthur)
I was so sorry to hear of Ann's passing and that the weather did not allow me to go to her memorial. Oh, but the memories we all have of our time with Ann. She was my partner in "mischief" growing up. We used to have such good times together. I wish we had kept in touch after school. It was wonderful seeing her at the last reunion. She was always the kindest, most gentle person. Peace be with her family.
Katherine Ann Lagasse (Hagel)
I was saddened to read of the passing of Ann Graham. She was one of the kindest, most genuine girls in high school. No pretentions with Ann. Always the big, sweet smile to greet her fellow classmates. It is tragic how we are losing so many of our former classmates at such relatively young ages. We should all cherish each day and be kind to one another. Peace to you, Ann.
Penelope Drew (Ware)
Johnny Arnold
From 1958 until my parents divorced in 1961 the Grahams were my neighbors. My house in Ortega Forest on Churchwell Drive and the Graham's house were direct backyard neighbors. Anne father made huge toys for the backyard. There was no fence separating us and so we all played together. He made a big plywood box that a couple a big holes and a curved side. It was called the Tumble Toy. One kid would get in it. It was big. The other kids would push it up and over. If you looke at it from my house you would see a few kids pushing it up and over all over their backyard. I have not seen anything like it elsewhere and today probably won't.
My memories of Anne come from that place and that time. They are wonderful memories and playing together as kids. That was almost 60 years ago...Good Bye my childhood friend.
Johnny...