Mrs. Pearl Elizabeth "Sam" Graham Rogers

Pearl Elizabeth (known to many as “Sam”) entered this life in Lake City, SC. Her loving parents Willie B. Graham and Alice “Yankee” Hannah, welcomed the joy of their special daughter on October 5, 1928. From birth everyone knew that Pearl was destined to do great things. She was determined, strong-willed and not afraid to go her on way. Although Pearl faced many challenges during her early years (overcoming polio) she never let anything stand in her way. Her determination and strong-will piqued the interest of Mr. Frank Rogers and in 1948 he sought Pearl’s hand in marriage. Pearl’s unwillingness to settle for nothing less than the best, led her across many miles to Connecticut where her bothers Clyde and Freddie had settled. Pearl’s ambitious spirit and loving heart directed her into the health care field, first at the VA Hospital in New Haven, CT and eventually at Bergen Pines County Hospital in Paramus, NJ. Pearl served diligently and faithfully, taking pride in her profession for over 30 years, finally retiring in 1997. During her life in New Jersey, Pearl not only excelled professionally, she continued to develop her many talents. Pearl often would recollect about her special performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, of this she was especially proud. Although Pearl “Sam” was known by many to sometimes speak bluntly and often to be brutally honest when necessary, she maintained a small circle of friends and family with whom she shared many wonderful experiences. Pearl enjoyed telling stories about the experiences she shared with her brothers and sisters whom she both loved and fought. However, she was always willing to offer support, advice and aid to both family and friends when needed. Pearl’s spirit and courage will continue to be with those who knew her best; (Siblings); Mamie L .Graham, Willie B. “Jubby” Graham, Jr. Lillie R. Washington and Robert W. Graham. Those gone before her and awaiting her spirit include: Parents; (siblings) Sylvia Kennedy, Clyde Edward, Freddie Graham, Lemar Graham, Sr., Ashley Turner and Getha Spates. Those of us whom she touched with her wisdom including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends will continue to remember and in honoring Pearl’s life we offer encouragement as only Pearl herself could do… Be Honest…Be Consistent… Be Yourself….and give it to them straight!! In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to cure pancreatic cancer. Please support “Team Sylvia”, Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 The Family would like to thank you all for your prayers and kind wishes during this time Interment::Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia, CT

Mrs. Pearl Elizabeth "Sam" Graham Rogers

December 14, 2013