Obituary of Laurie Ellen Smith Graham

Laurie Ellen Smith Graham, 65, died Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Prisma Health Tuomey.

Born September 21, 1960, in Lockport, New York, and grew up in Newfane, New York. A daughter of the late Edwin Charles and Adeline June Wilson Smith, and faithful wife of 37 years, to Ronald Lee Graham (divorced).

She was a mother to one child that was miscarried; a sister to Cathy Lee (Carmelo) Lopez; and an aunt to various nieces and nephews.

She was a graduate of Newfane Senior High School and attended Word of Life Bible Institute. Laurie later earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration from Tennessee Temple University.

A faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sumter, Laurie loved her church family and was actively involved in Life Groups and Ladies’ Bible studies. She found joy in spending time at Myrtle Beach, visiting Riverbanks Zoo, and walking at Swan Lake, whether alone or with friends and family.

Laurie had a deep love for animals and was a devoted “pet mom” to many cats throughout her life, considering their care a true joy and privilege. She also found great fulfillment in creating handmade greeting cards, which she shared as a ministry of encouragement to others. It brought her great happiness to know that God used her words and acts of kindness to bless those around her.

Above all, Laurie was a woman of faith, humbly grateful for God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ, which she cherished throughout her life.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Stuart Mizelle officiating.

Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 230 Alice Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210, or the Sumter SPCA, 1140 S Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. 221 Broad Street, Sumter, South Carolina, (803) 775-9386.