Beatrice Chambliss Graham

Beatrice Chambliss Graham, 98, of Camden, Ark., died Jan. 1, 2016, at her home. She was born on Sept. 6, 1917, in Princeton, Ark., and attended Locust Bayou High School. She was the daughter of John and Lura Sweaza. Her father came from Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. to Arkansas with a team of horses he used with his work at various saw mills. Bea is survived by Shirley S. Lusby, Larry D. Stafford (Carolyn), Philip W. Stafford (Annie Mae), step son Wade Graham (Betty) grandchildren Stephen Tomlinson, Kevin Tomlinson (Kathy) (Atlanta, Ga.), Lynly Ramsey (Bob), Shane Stafford (Kelly), Bryan Stafford, Brent Stafford, Shannon Hawkins(Mike) (Woodstock, Va.) Brooke Stafford (Boston, Mass.), 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, Fulton Graham, and Earl "Buck" Chambliss, sister Opal Harrison, brothers Lloyd, Glen, Earl, and Morris Sweaza. Bea retired in 1979, after 34 years, from the Int'l Paper Company, Bagpak Division. She was active in the Camden Local 367 Union where she served in several offices as well as president. She was a member of Cullendale Baptist Church since 1952. She served many years as assistant superintendent with Bethel Laney of the 12-year-old Dept. In later years, she enjoyed her Sunday School Class and teachers. She, also, expressed her love for pastors Wade Totty, Dr. Jimmy Burkes, and Clay Doss. After retirement Bea enjoyed being an active member in the Bethesda Extension Homemakers Club. She had 59 first place ribbons, 25 second place, 13 third place, and one AR Sweepstake Winner Ribbon. Her ribbons were for quilts, handcrafts, and garden vegetables. In 1994, she was certified as a quilt judge. Bea was famous for her cooking, especially her pies. She loved working in her flower garden, vegetable garden and yard. She and Fulton won the City Beautification Award in 1992, and two awards for Christmas lights. Services will be held at Proctors Funeral Home on January 4, at 11 a.m., viewing at 10 a.m. with Dr. Wade Totty and Rev. Jimmy Burkes officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be to Cullendale Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, or charity of your choice. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.