Memorial trees planted for:

Versita Graham

Versita Graham, a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother, passed away on April 18, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of her beloved family, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. She was born on March 28, 1936, in Colón, Panama, to Celestina Henry and Ricardo Hooker. She spent her early years moving between her father’s homeland in the Hooker Bight region of San Andrés, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, where her mother resided. In her early twenties, she moved to Monterey, California, in support of her husband’s military career. In 1964, at the age of 27, she relocated to Brooklyn, New York City, where she lived with her sister and her family until she was able to establish herself and build a better life for herself and her children. New York became her true home, a place that reflected her independent and vibrant spirit. Versita raised five children—Oya, Julius, Jay, Troy, and Tricia. She had a distinguished career in the hospitality industry that spanned over 40 years at the prestigious Loews Regency New York Hotel on Park Avenue and 61st Street in Manhattan. She distinguished herself as an employee and rose to the position of supervisor of the housekeeping department. She later became a union representative for the Hotel Trades Council (HTC) Union, AFL-CIO Local 32B, advocating for others as tirelessly as she worked for her own family. Versita cherished her daily rituals, beginning each morning with a strong cup of coffee and reading the newspaper. She was a fashionista who loved shopping for herself, her family, and her friends. She had a warm smile, a hearty laugh, and was ever generous to all. She maintained close relationships with her family and lifelong friendships with her neighbors and coworkers. Despite her demanding schedule, she was a devoted homemaker, a wonderful cook, and a gracious host who threw lively house parties. She found joy in exploring New York City by attending Broadway plays and dining in fine restaurants. She loved traveling to visit her children and family in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington. She also enjoyed cruising to the Caribbean islands of Aruba, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Belize, and Grenada with her friends. Versita was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Violet Philips; her son-in-law, Shango Mwanza; and her grandson, Julius Graham III. She is survived by her children, Oya Mwanza; Julius Graham, Jr. (Durna), Vienna Newman; Jay Graham; Troy Graham; and Tricia Wesco-Phillips (Kerwin); her grandchildren, Shifon Rebecca Skillman, Octavius Jerrod Graham (Jasmine), Jennifer Carcamo-Burton, Jefferey Carcamo (Amy), Ni-aja Thomas, Janay Graham, Jay-Sheen Graham, Sesheta Mwanza-Nooranidoost (Mohammad), Kenya Brown, Elijah Graham, Troy Graham, Jr., Chance “Papi” Callahan, Jahzara Graham, and Keziah Graham; her great-grandchildren, Yasmeen Graham, Octavius Jerrod Graham, Jr., Na’kejia Anderson, Jayla Stephson, Aurora Stephson, Julius Stephson, Alexander Stephson, Giovanni Graham, DaVinci Graham, Aaliyah Graham, Kierra Huffl, Amani Hall, Patrique Hall, and Lai’Yanni “NuNu” Melendez; and five great-great-grandchildren.

March 28, 1936 - April 18, 2026

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Versita Graham

11 Trees have been planted in memory of Versita Graham.

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Memorial Trees

Anderine Chai

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Anderine Chai. Plant a tree

Forever in our hearts. Love never dies .

Love Your Brother Rayvon and Family

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Love Your Brother Rayvon and Family. Plant a tree

Keep making your grandmother proud, Chance.

Your Graham family from Georgia!

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Your Graham family from Georgia!. Plant a tree

Words cannot describe the ache we feel in our hearts! We will always miss you.

Pastor Jamall Jenkins

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Pastor Jamall Jenkins. Plant a tree

Thank you for your legacy, strength, and love. Your life inspired many and your memory will live on forever. Proverbs 31:28

Jacqui Payne

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Jacqui Payne. Plant a tree

A tree has been planted in your mom's name. May it stand as a reminder of her love, her strength, and the roots she gave to you and the family.

Lizeth Cumberbatch

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Lizeth Cumberbatch. Plant a tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Davia-Ann Green

May 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Davia-Ann Green. Plant a tree

As this tree grows, so will you your memories of her continue to grow and blossom.

Nalini

May 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Nalini. Plant a tree

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

Anonymous

May 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

RIP mama Graham, my friend. With Love From Pam & family

Anonymous

May 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Our deepest sympathy from Dr. Christopher Smith & The Eagle SEQ Family,

Michelle Mullings and Riley Peters

May 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Versita Graham has been arranged by Michelle Mullings and Riley Peters. Plant a tree

In loving memory of your familys matriarch. May her legacy live on forever, and may she rest peacefully in the arms of our lord.

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