GRAHAMS united with TISBY On Top
The NOLA Graham Family Reunion is all about Grahams Doing the Big Easy — coming together to celebrate our roots, our legacy, and the ties that bind us as one family. From generation to generation, we remain beautifully connected through Tisby Graham, mother of Stephany, Tishia, Benjamin, Katie and Rebecca — always united, with Tisby on top.
Knowing Our History
Stephany George Graham was born enslaved on May 25, 1846, in Lake City, SC on the plantation of Nelson Myers Graham. He was the son of the enslaved Tisby Graham and slave owner, Nelson Myers Graham.
Stephany’s mother Tisby later married Benjamin Graham, who became Stephany’s stepfather. Together, they had four other children, Tishia, Katie, Rebecca, and Benjamin Augustus. In his early years, Stephany lived in the plantation house with his mother, a cook.
Although it was against the law to teach the enslaved how to read and write, the minister-teacher asked and was granted permission by Nelson Myers Graham to teach Stephany, his son. Stephany was 18 years old when the enslaved were freed. Stephany later took the examination for a secondary teacher's certificate and passed it.
Stephany met and married Caroline Elizabeth Eaddy in December 1878. Caroline Eaddy was born April 1, 1861, the second of 12 children of Sampson Eaddy and Mollie Hannah. She grew up to be a wonderful woman who had a sweet personality. The young couple lived and worked on a farm owned by Caroline's parents for a short time. They had 10 children – Samuel, Hattie Dora, Delia Ann, Phillip, John, Franklin, George, William, Otto and Stephany’s biological daughter Laura Mary.
Stephany and Caroline were greatly involved at Saint James Baptist Church. He was a senior deacon and administrator of church affairs. Caroline was a church mother who mentored young people and prayed constantly for her family, church, and friends. They worked hard and were successful. Stephany became a store owner, had several other commercial enterprises, and even owned a racehorse. He also owned a farm and had many employees. He was kind and treated his staff like family, often having them over for meals. Stephany transitioned on July 24, 1920, and Caroline transitioned on August 12, 1926. Their efforts, persistence and devotion to their children has been a great lesson and motivator for all of us. Let’s continue to uphold their legacy and perpetuate their values for generations to come!
We are Forever Grahams!
History of the Fleur -De- Lis
Did You Know?
The fleur-de-lis is a symbol deeply rooted in history, faith, and tradition. Originating in French heritage and embraced throughout Louisiana, it has long carried spiritual meaning. In Christian tradition, its three petals represent the Holy Trinity, while its sturdy stem represents the ever-present God, who is our strength — steady, grounding, and unchanging. As a lily, the fleur-de-lis also symbolizes new life springing forth, reminding us of renewal, hope, and God’s continued presence across generations.
However, the fleur-de-lis also has a troubled history. Between 1685 and 1789 the French Colonial Empire passed a decree, the Code Noir (Black code), serving as the code for slavery conduct. One such punishment laid forth in the code would result in fugitive slaves being branded with the fleur-de-lis, potentially multiple times. For this reason, we have decided not to include it on our reunion shirt or materials.
Genealogy
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