Amy E. Gipson Graham, of Tarpon Springs, became a star in heaven on Monday June 20, 2022. She passed peacefully with her family near her side, from complications associated with Alzheimer’s.

Amy was born January 19, 1934 to her parents Albert McBee and Lillie Gudger McBee. She was born in a small Tennessee mountain-top village. Even though she loved her home of Jump Off, Tennessee she did not like the cold, or mountain winters. Amy came from poor, humble, depression era beginnings. She had an itch to escape to the world beyond the Tennessee mountains. At 16, in 1950, Mama left Tennessee for bigger things, warmer weather and Tarpon Springs. Tarpon was paradise to her. Amy was an independent woman devoted to her 4 children. Glenda (TSHS class of “72”) Lili (TSHS class of “79) Michael (TSHS class of “80”) Patrick (TSHS class of “83”) She pushed them with love and through her strong example to be independent and successful. She was a lifetime waitress in Tarpon. She started at a small café on the Sponge Docks where Mykonos now stands. She also worked downtown at Herme’s. Mama finished her career working 50 years at Pappas’ Restaurant. She started at the “Old Place” and continued to serve the public and all her call parties when Pappas’ relocated. She was a favorite of the local diners.

In 1954, Mama had the will and foresight to buy and keep her home in Tarpon Springs, at a time when women could not qualify for a home loan. Never the less, the local banker saw something in Amy and loaned her $7000 to buy her home. Her home was her sanctuary and her doors were always open to many that needed shelter or help in times of trouble. She lived there her entire life and always was able to keep her family together even during the most difficult times. No matter how little she had there was always enough to share.

Mama enjoyed her kids, grands and great grands. She loved her babies. Mama is survived by her daughters Glenda and Lili, and her youngest son Patrick. Her oldest son Michael passed way suddenly and unexpectedly Dec 10, 2013. She has 6 grandchildren and 8 great grands. She is also survived by her brother John Raymond McBee (August 21, 1932) that also worked at Pappas’ for over 20 years. He was fondly called “Shorty.” Many people remember him sitting on the corner at Shady Glen Assisted Living, or just walking all around town. Mama will now be with her Mama and Daddy and her son Michael. Until we all meet again. We love you Big Mama. Take care of the folks til then. She will be laid to rest, in the family cemetery, in that small Tennessee village, with her parents, grand parents, son and generations of kin. Mama, we will miss you huge. You were always a rock of stability and strength