OBITUARIES

Tonie Lee (Pearse) Graham entered this world on April 5, 1942, daughter of Jesse Lee Pearse and Riley Lee Pearse, her loving parents, who resided at 1 Cottage Street in the City of Poughkeepsie, New York. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 83, Tonie peacefully transitioned from this physical life to be with her Lord and Savior.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Tonie,” she attended elementary and grade school in the City of Poughkeepsie and was a proud graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Class of 1960. Following graduation, Tonie pursued her passion for music through studies in New York City. She later began a successful career at IBM, where she was employed for over 30 years before retiring.

Tonie’s life was deeply rooted in faith and music. A lifelong member of Beulah Baptist Church, she began playing the piano there at the tender age of 7. Over the decades, she faithfully served as pianist and musical director for numerous choirs, including the Senior Choir, SAG (Starling A. Grayson) Choir, the Gospel Chorus, and the Junior Choir. She also shared her gifts with the 2nd Baptist Church and was a founding member of The Voices of Faith.

Her passion for gospel music was intense and unmistakable. Every choir member felt it, during rehearsals and especially on Sunday mornings. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” was not just a scripture she quoted, but a life she lived. Some of the most memorable Sundays at Beulah Baptist Church were the annual choir days, particularly when the Gospel Chorus and Junior Choir marched in to “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” Tonie poured her whole heart into praising God through song and piano, leaving behind a musical legacy that will be felt for generations to come.

Tonie was predeceased by her father Jesse Lee Pearse, her mother Riley Lee Pearse, her husband John Graham, her beloved son Leonard Lee Graham, and her sister Lucille Stokes.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Thomas Jerome Pearse; her grandchildren: Anquanette “Annie” Sharonie Neails, Heiress Gabriel Pearse, Kadeem Nathaniel Pearse, Isaiah Tashan Pearse, Maliq Jerome Pearse, Kelyshja Lee Nianna Pearse, Lazell Thomas Neails, Shoneeka Mood, and Lashonda Van Tassel; and her great-grandchildren: Denzel Ashley, Jhett Pearse Bennett, Akeem Jerome Pearse, Izalee Desire Pearse, Nayomie Gangoo, Mechico Izayah Mood, William Amare Mood, Zaniyah and Zakeithaney Shaw, and her niece, Thelma Stokes.

Also surviving her are her God-sent daughters, Ruth “Penny” Lupoe and Lakethia Renae Shaw, who both held a very special place in her heart.

Known for her kindness and genuine care for others, Tonie carried her faith, warmth, and love of God wherever she went. She spent five years in assisted living at Delmar Gardens in Atlanta before returning to Poughkeepsie, where she resided at Manor on the Woodside, Interfaith Towers, The Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, and eventually The Pines. Throughout every season, she maintained unwavering faith and never complained about her physical or health conditions. She enjoyed many wonderful years surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Tonie Lee Graham’s life was truly a beautiful melody of faith, service, and love. a devoted servant of God, a gifted musician, a loving mother, grandmother, and matriarch. While she will be deeply missed, her voice, radiant smile, laughter, teachings, and joy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her.

Her favorite saying was, “Everything is gonna be alright.”

We know that Ms. Tonie is singing and playing that piano in the Heavenly Choir.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

To God be the glory forever.