Mary Iletha Graham Earp

Mary Iletha Graham Earp died December 29, 2025, after a long and valiant battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Bulbar Onset. She walked directly into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and immediately gained a healthy body which will live for eternity.

Mary was born to Grover and Ozada Graham of western Texas on October 3, 1944. She spent her younger years in school and aiding the farm. She attended Wellington schools and graduated Wellington High School in 1963. While in high school, Mary excelled in academics, home economics, cooking, music, and volunteerism.

Mary attended the University of North Texas (then NTSU) beginning in 1963. She studied Home Economics, focused on becoming a teacher. While at UNT, she met James Bradley Earp at the Baptist Student Union. They married in August 1967, after they both graduated. Later in life, Mary and James funded a conference room in the new BSM building at UNT. That room bears their name to this day.

Mary and James had two children, David and Rachel. Mary’s life centered on family, faith, and home. Mary was a pioneer in Denton La Leche League. She served as preschool minister at First Baptist Church Denton for a time. She utilized her musical abilities as church organist at Southmont Baptist church. Mary was an active member of Denton Benefit League for many years, and she thoroughly enjoyed the service opportunities supplied there. She served as. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) president, a band mom, a football mom, and a fan to all local teams.

Mary used her amazing sewing skills to serve her community. She was an avid member of the Denton Quilting Guild, and her family is blessed by the wealth of quilts she left to them. She worked at Margie’s Fabrics in Denton and taught sewing lessons there. She constructed beautiful quilted banners for First Baptist Church Denton to celebrate seasons and events.

Mary pursued a Master’s degree in Fashion at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. She assisted TWU students in clothing construction and helped them achieve their goals.

The principal and foremost concern of Mary’s life was her ardent love for the Bible and for sharing Jesus Christ with others. In many settings - healthcare, service, etc. - Mary spoke the Gospel to all in earshot. None were left wondering what she believed. She always offered God’s love and care to others. That was the core of her personality.

We invite you to the services scheduled for Mary, listed below. She would love for you to be there, hear the music, and find the joy of Christ that she found.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, James Earp, her son, David Earp, sister-in-law Anne Graham, and her niece, Libby Manning Garcia. Mary is survived by her daughter, Rachel Earp Knowles, AJ, and Sadie Knowles, of Corinth, TX; daughter-in-law and son-in-law, DLynn Earp Miracle and Mark Miracle of Argyle, TX, grandchildren Tatum Earp, Hadley Miracle, and William and Veronica Miracle, of Argyle, TX; Brother, Grover Graham, of Argyle, TX; Sister and brother-in-law Nancy Graham Manning and Tommy Manning of Amarillo, TX, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Mary considered her friends as family. The Knowles/Earp clan pays special tribute to Linda Davis, Anne Beidleman, and Jane Naugher. These ladies have been steadfast friends to Mary in the very hardest days. We are so thankful.

Tribute to Mary may be made in flowers (she loved those), or to the UNT Baptist Student Ministry at UNT Baptist Student Ministry | General Donations.

Mary’s family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Scott Simms, Sage Oak, Village on the Park, Heart-to heart hospice, and UNT Southwestern Neurology. Thank you for caring for us.