Bettye Graham

Reflections of Life

Bettye Cornwell Graham passed from life on earth to eternity with the Lord on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at age 84 at her home in Charlotte, NC. She was born to the late Sorves Berdie Cornwell and Beulah Tyler Cornwell in Shelby, NC, and predeceased in death by her brothers, Theodore Cornwell, Charles Cornwell, and Larry Cornwell. She is also cherished by her devoted sisters, Brendolyn Ann Cornwell Houston and Rev. Shirley Cornwell Harper, and her brothers, Rev. Earl Cornwell and Carl Cornwell, who continue to honor her memory with love and faith.

Bettye attended and graduated from Washington High School Shelby, NC where she excelled in literary arts and graduated at the age of 16. She graduate from Barber-Scotia College, Concord, NC and continued further studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She was employed by Guilford Technical Community College, in High Point, NC and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, and Post University in Waterbury, CT. She was also Director and CEO for Cross Street Training & Academic Center and Summerwinds Arts & Music Camp in Middletown, CT.

She was director of Women’s Bible Study at Cross Street AME Zion Church, Middletown, CT. She was a publish author of a children’s book, “Zeno the Zebra”. She was a chairperson of the Women’s Prayer Partners, teacher at Sunday School instructor for Christian Education, director of the Creative Expressions Guild Drama Ministry at Greater Mt, Sinai Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. She leaves to cherish her loving memories by her husband, Charles Graham of 22 years and LaDonna Barros Campbell (Wayne), Evan Graham (Kristi), Lindsey Graham-Dixon (Thomas), Logann Graham Perry (Robert), grand-daughter Zora and a host of nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbors who pay love, honor, and tribute to her life and legacy.

They echo collectively, “Bettye, rest in Heaven! You are loved and shall be missed.”