Miriam Marie Graham

Miriam Marie Graham, 16, a resident of Show Low, passed away, Monday, February 26, 2024 in Vernon, Arizona. She was born April 20, 2007 in Mesa, Arizona, the daughter of Mark Harris Graham and Brittani Dawn Wray.

Miriam had one of those infectious personalities with a great big smile that you could see in her eyes. It was second to none and would say everything you needed to know about her. She had a zest for life and saw the wonder in all the many things this life has to offer. It seemed she bounced wherever she went. She was an artist at heart and expressed how she saw the world in drawing, painting and especially music. Miriam grew up around many different musical instruments and she regularly picked up one or another so she could compose a song to accompany her beautiful singing voice. If there was a lull in the room she would put a song on from one of her many playlists to remedy the mood. Much of her time was spent perfecting and sharing her music playlists.  

She doted over her younger siblings, nieces and nephews as much as her older brothers and sister doted over her. Miriam was home-educated from kindergarten and thrived academically in this free-spirited environment that matched her personality so well. She studied mythology and lore, especially from Norse History and related the stories of Odin and Thor and other civilizations to her younger family members. Miriam was a deep thinker and enjoyed studying and discussing politics, history and social issues. She learned history through the styles and clothing trends of the eras and her artwork reflected period-accurate costumes and fashion. Miriam's father invested in a pair of pigs for her to raise when she was 13 and soon the small homestead was overrun with tiny adorable piglets which she assisted in delivery to 65 of them.

When she was 8 years old she moved to Jamaica with her family and she charmed all of the Jamaicans in the small community who carefully watched over her as she played and learned to love the outdoors in the rainforest jungle. She continued her love for the outdoors when she came back to the states 2 years later by taking regular walks. Even at 16, she would coerce almost anyone she could to go on walks with her. 

Other hobbies included writing stories and poetry and making jewelry. She spent much of her time reading; earning her one of her nicknames, "Miriam the Librarian" at a young age.  She was passionate about family history and the generations that came before her, particularly her Matriarchal line. Later in life, she asked to be called Mimi after a great-grandmother whose story touched her and she strived to live her life to make her ancestors proud.  

Miriam brought a bright light into so many lives and will be greatly missed by all those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her. 

Miriam is survived by her mother, Brittani (Curtis) Fetzer, brothers and sisters,  Cole Graham, Brooklyn (Christian) Collier, Dalin Graham, Eliza Graham, Sariah Graham, Luke Graham, Micah Graham, Bronson Graham, step-brothers and step-sisters, AnnaLynn Fetzer, Adam Fetzer, Leila Fetzer, Liliana Fetzer, Ava Fetzer, grandparents:, Yvonne Wray, Major Graham, Sally Graham and Larry and Elvia Wray

She was preceded in death by her father, Mark Graham and brothers, Cayden Graham and Eli Graham.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, Arizona, with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Gofundme: Miriam Marie Graham Memorial   https://gofund.me/084ec40b