Obituary of Barbara Holden Graham

Barbara Holden Graham passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022, in West Columbia, SC, at the age of 78 years old. She was surrounded by those who loved her and mattered to her the most: her three children and granddaughter.

Barbara was born to the late Robert Lee Holden and Mattie Estelle Parkman, in Clinton, South Carolina. She was predeceased by her siblings, Elizabeth Bond, Shirley Holden, Rudolph “Buddy” Holden and Frances Holden Reid.

She is survived by her three children, Marnie Ballad, Ashley Graham, and Austin Graham; her granddaughter, Peyton Teague; and her son-in-law, Christopher Ballad. Additionally, she is survived by her four grand-dogs, Winston, Piper, Django, and Nala, all of whom got the pampering and care that only a grandmother can provide.

Barbara’s life was one of dancing, and she held her own on every dance floor of life. She was an amazing chef, whose food not only tasted delicious but was plated beautifully. She was an impeccable hostess, able to welcome and honor her guests in ways that made them feel truly special. She loved pretty things that made her feel fancy. Her style was classic and timeless.

She dazzled others by her ability to “MacGyver” any task or hurdle – from arranging flowers to hanging light fixtures, from tying bows to assembling furniture, from mending broken toys to fixing lawnmowers. Her talent and intuition for design transformed many rooms from spaces to havens.

She loved to dance the Carolina Shag and her moves, like the rest of her life, appeared effortlessly choreographed. She was the epitome of grace, style, and elegance, and inspired family, friends and strangers to strive for the same. She danced between joy and heartache. She found solace in both scripture and an occasional scotch and soda.

Barbara guided her children and loved ones with a firm but loving hand. She collected and posted little notes of wisdom, humor, and faith throughout her home. She knew what someone needed to hear and when they needed to hear it. She was a strong and devoted mother who loved her children fiercely, completely, and unconditionally. When her children asked how much she loved them, she answered, “I love you from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the sky.” Mama – we will always love you the same.

A memorial gathering and celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, between 2 PM and 4 PM at Woodridge Funeral Home, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, South Carolina 29072. A prayer and devotional service will be held at 3 PM. In honor of Barbara’s wishes, her entombment will be private and attended only by her children. In lieu of flowers or donations, we encourage you to take a moment to contemplate one of Mom’s notes:

“Free your life from hate. Free your mind from worry. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.”