OPHELIA—Nancy Wheeler “Nan” McGraw, 93, of Ophelia and Port Austin, Mich., died on June 4, 2024, surrounded by her children.
Born in Clinton, Ind. in 1930 to Ernest and Evelyn Wheeler, her family relocated to Detroit during the Second World War. It was in the Detroit area that she met the love of her life, S. Tenney McGraw. They were wed in 1951 and enjoyed a marriage of over 62 years. Together they had four children, Carolyn Taylor of Pinehurst, N.C., Kathleen Vine of Ophelia, S. Tenney McGraw III of Weston, Fla., and Maggie Mayes of Midland, Mich.
Outgoing, loving, feisty and fiercely loyal, Nan was a devoted wife, mother and friend. As a young mother, she was the ultimate volunteer, assisting in her children’s classrooms, serving as scout leader and teaching Sunday school, among other endeavors. She created homes of hospitality, warmth and love where her children’s friends were always welcome.
A stranger to no one, she engaged in conversation with everyone she met. She genuinely cared about the well-being of others thereby nurturing deep and enduring friendships.
For the past eight years, Nan resided in Ophelia with her daughter Kathy and son-in-law Gary Vine. She loved her life on the river where she made wonderful neighborhood friends. She regularly attended Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Nan truly loved Campbell and the friends that she made there meant the world to her.
During the summer months, Nan always returned to her beloved community of Broken Rocks in Port Austin, a family gathering spot on the shores of Lake Huron. While there, she relished in the love of her children and grandchildren as they visited each summer.
Nan is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Virginia or Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Weems.
