Mary Jane Graham, age 82, of Marion, died Friday morning, August 17, 2012, at Marion General Hospital after battling many ailments for several years.
On January 21, 1930, Mary Jane was born in Marion, Ohio, one of three children of the late John Bennett and Mildred Naomi (Key) Corbin.
She attended Marion schools, and graduated from Waldo High School in the Class of 1948.
Shortly following graduation, Mary Jane married her first love, Thomas M. Stayner, on September 5, 1948. Soon thereafter, they attended the Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where she did most of both of their school work while he worked 3rd shift to help put them through college and raise their children.
During their 31 years together, Mary Jane and Tom lived in Lexington, Zanesville, and Dresden, where he led different churches. She had worked as a secretary at Smith’s Swain in Mansfield, and at two dry cleaners and a grocery in Zanesville.
Getting a second chance at love, Mary Jane returned to Marion to marry her faithful partner and companion, Jack L. Graham, on June 20, 1982. It was each of their parents who played matchmaker, and arranged their meeting. Together they enjoyed going up to Lake Erie to fish, and she was known to “rub it in” whenever she caught more fish than him. They also enjoyed many travels to Florida and Nashville, Tennessee, several times, and even making it as far as Hawaii and England.
A woman of faith, Mary Jane was a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, where for a few years she helped Jack lead a Sunday School Class.
A very artistic woman, Mary Jane had a knack for things like scrapbooking, photography, painting, and making ceramics.
“Sharp as a tack”, you couldn’t get much past Mary Jane, and she kept her sharp mind until the end. She also had a very witty sense of humor that kept you on your toes.
“A lovely lady”, Mary Jane had a heart of gold who cared deeply for beloved family and did all she could for them. She especially enjoyed caring for and spoiling her grandchildren.
She will be dearly missed by her husband, Jack Graham of Marion; two children: Barry (Janice) Stayner of Frazeysburg, and Mary Jo (David Slater) Stayner of Marion; four grandchildren: Tammy (Kyle) Smith, Eric (Cynthia) Stayner, Nathan West, and Bradley (Brandi) West; three great-granddaughters: Payge, Lyndsy, and Morgen; two step-daughters: Marsha (Rev. Ralph) Velazco, and Jacklynn Graham of Henderson, NV; three step-grandchildren: Scott (Amber) Velazco, Cory (Jenn) Velazco, and Tim Velazco; a sister, Joanne (Rev. Robert) Baer of Carrolton, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
Including her parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her infant son, John Stayner; brother, William “Bill” Corbin in 1966; a grandson, Adam B. West in 1997; and by her former husband, Thomas M. Stayner.
Mary Jane’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, August 20, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will be held there on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., with her brother-in-law, Rev. Robert D. Baer officiating, and special music by her nephew, Mark Baer. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakland United Methodist Church, 835 Bellefontaine Ave., Marion, OH 43302. Denzer-Farison-Hotttinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Mary Jane’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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