Novella Jeneane Graham

Novella Jeneane Graham, 66, of Ponca City, OK went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 6, 2013, at Ponca City Medical Center, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Novella was born in Ponca City, OK on Feb. 2, 1947. She was the youngest daughter of Garnet Oliver and Rosalee Sue Moulton Harris of Ponca City, OK.

She attended Jefferson Elementary and East Junior High School. She was a member of the class of 1965 at Ponca City High School.

She graduated from Ponca City Beauty Academy, obtained her State Cosmetology License and went on to work for LaBelle Beauty Salon in Ponca City.

She moved to Northern California in 1970. She attended Solano Community College, taking classes in interior design. She was able to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. She served as President of the Parent-Teacher Association and played an active role in her children’s education before returning to work as a nail technician.

After returning to Oklahoma in 1988 she continued her work as a nail technician at

"Hair Unlimited" until opening her own shop, "Nails by Novella" in 1995. She was able to continue to utilize her talents and, at the same time, touch many of her client’s lives, who went on to become the dearest of her friends.

While Richard played with the Jubilee Band at Bill Brown’s Oklahoma Jubilee in Shidler, OK, Novella ran the sound system. She met numerous talented and famous musicians and created many unforgettable memories over the years.

They also enjoyed flying and were members of the Aviation Booster Club in Ponca City.

Novella and Richard shared their heart’s mission of loving and caring for foster children for several years until her health no longer allowed her the ability to continue.

They were members of Grace Tabernacle of Praise in Ponca City.

Novella attended First Baptist Church of Fairfield, California while raising her children. She was a Sunday School teacher, and also led the children’s choir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Garnetta Louise Harris and Donna Marie Marlar, son-in-law, Earl E. "Trey" Latimer, III, mother-in-law Martha Graham, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Dean and Catherine Graham.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Graham, her daughters, Lesli Jeneane Carter Pruna (Joey) of Miami, Florida, Penny Sue Carter, of Phoenix, Arizona, and

Julie Denise Carter Latimer of Ponca City, OK.

Grandchildren; Hannah Rose, Hailey Jo, and Harper Grace Pruna, of Miami, Florida, and Christopher James Cordova, of Ponca City, OK. Barton Dean Graham (Toni), Becky Graham Woodrome (Tommy), and Richard Calvin Graham, II., Timothy Woodrome, Dalton Woodrome, Savannah Woodrome, Blake Bennett, Tyler Dean Graham, Ashtin Graham, Emma Kate and Annie Graham, Jaylen and Preslee Graham, and one great-grandchild, Bentley Woodrome.

Brothers; Oliver Harris (Dottie), Harrah, OK, Sylvan Harris (Teresa), Ponca City, OK.

Sisters; Patricia Joanne Brewer (Joe), Newkirk, OK, Cloene Sue Graham (Larry), Ponca City, OK. One Aunt Mary Elizabeth Thorpe of Crossville, Tennessee, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Novella was a beautiful woman both inside and out. She had a kind, generous, and unselfish spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. She loved her family, friends and foster children unconditionally, but most importantly, she knew and loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She will be missed by us all.

Novella’s Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at Sunset Baptist Church, North Ash and Greenwood, Ponca City, OK. Novella will be laid to rest in the Harris Family plot at Sunset Memorial Gardens, East of Ponca City.

A poem for Novella from her brothers and sisters by Christina Rossetti:

"For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather,

to cheer one on the tedious way,

to fetch one if one goes astray,

to lift one if one totters down,

to strengthen whilst one stands."

A memorial fund for the family has been established at RCB Bank.