Magdeline Graham

Magdeline Graham was born on August 6, 1923, in Durham, N.C. to the late James and Amy Sanders, she was proceeded in death of her elder brother Johnie Sanders and elder sister Cornelia Grant. She passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022, in Boston, MA at the age of 99.

Magdeline moved to Boston in 1943 and worked as a Welder for Quincy shipyard, Hood Rubber, and the State Hospital prior to establishing her business as a Licensed Cosmetologist in 1962. In 1964 she was certified a Hair Specialist in Hairweaving and was a trailblazer in the world of Cosmetology often serving the needs of Broadway actors and actresses. She owned two Beauty Salons- Del Ray Beauty and LaTona Beauty Salon. Her entrepreneurial spirit did not stop in the world of Beauty, Magdeline was the owner of various properties in Dorchester and Roxbury, MA. When she was not managing her properties, she was a stock market enthusiast.

After 48 years of as a Cosmetology, she became involved in community endeavors and donated her commercial space to various community projects. Magdeline was a strong, independent woman, who loved to share her wisdom and passion of entrepreneurship, she mentored many and never pass up a moment to share her wisdom.

In 1952, Magdeline married Richard Graham who predeceased her. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son Nathaniel Graham, devoted niece Evelyn Gee, niece Rene Brimage, surviving Aunt Margaret Hill, and a host of family members and special friends.

She joined John J. Smith Chapter No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star in 1983. She worked in the Chapter and was elected to the Office of Worthy Matron in 1988, and again in 1998. Sis. Graham served Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star as Grand Ruth, and as Chairperson of the Grand Chapter Flower Committee for several years. Sis. Graham, along with Sis. Cornelia Grant, decorated the Ladies’ Restroom and Lounge in the lower level, donating the tile and furniture during the beautification of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple in 1999. A plaque hangs over the couch with this donation in memory of their dear brother, Companion Johnie Sanders from another jurisdiction. Sis. Magdeline Graham joined Sarah R. Hall Court No. 1 Heroines of Jericho. Although she did serve as Most Ancient Matron in 1992, her greatest joy in the Heroines of Jericho was to assist and watch her natural sister, Heroine Cornelia S. Grant advance in the order to the highest Office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and then on to work in the General Conference. Her. Magdeline Graham even was Queen of the General Conference Heroines of Jericho United States and the Bahamas, to bring pride back to Massachusetts during Her. Grant’s Administration. Her. Graham’s dedication and generosity to the Grand Court Heroines of Jericho, the Honorary Past Most Ancient Grand Matron Degree of Massachusetts was conferred and bestowed upon Her. Magdeline Graham!

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