Courtney Ann Graham
1961 - 2025
Courtney Ann Graham, age 63, of Lewisville, NC passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem, NC, after a brief but hard-fought battle with Glioblastoma. She was born December 8, 1961, in Mount Holly, NJ, to Robert W. M. Graham, VMD, and Elizabeth “Betty” Cooper Graham.
Courtney was raised in Cinnaminson and Moorestown, NJ, graduating from Moorestown High School in 1980. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation for the Blind: Orientation and Mobility from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. She earned her National Board Teaching certificate as well as numerous other teaching certifications.
Courtney lived in Wilmington, NC, for 39 years, where she met her husband, Ralph Andrew Woollaston. They were married for nearly 29 years. Courtney was a beloved and respected teacher at New Hanover County public schools known for going beyond to advocate for her students to find a path to success. As an educator, her enthusiasm and creativity were unmatched, and she was especially gifted at finding innovative ways to motivate and support both her students and others in the school community. In 2023, Courtney and Ralph moved to Lewisville, NC, allowing them to be closer to their children & grandchildren. She then worked for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools until her diagnosis in April.
Courtney was a devoted mother to Caitlyn and Brodie, always supporting their hobbies, sports, and endeavors. She instilled in her children a love of art, music, crafts, and reading. Courtney took immense joy in making celebrations magical for her family, planning elaborate themed birthday parties, handmaking Halloween costumes, making signs and costumes for the Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade, and travelling hundreds of miles each Christmas to make memories with extended family. She could often be found cheering her children on from the sidelines, chaperoning Caitlyn’s Girls’ Choir of Wilmington trips, and preparing Brodie for the latest Boy Scouts camping trip. Her pride in their accomplishments throughout the years was something she could not contain. When her grandchildren Miles & Violet entered this world, it brought her immense joy.
From an early age, there was a special place in her heart for any pet that would find its way into her life. She welcomed so many into her family throughout the years and provided them with a loving home. Courtney was passionate about social injustice and the environment, always putting others first. She was an active member of Wilmington Friends Meeting for many years, teaching First Day school when her children were young.
Courtney was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Woollaston, by only four days, and her parents, Bob & Betty Graham. She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Caitlyn Lloyd (Aaron) of Lewisville, NC, and Brodie Woollaston (Heather Hornaday) of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Miles and Violet Lloyd; siblings, W. Robb Graham (Donna) and Julia Slater (Craig both of Moorestown, NJ; and her many nieces, nephews, students, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for both Courtney & Ralph on November 16, 2025, at the Halyburton Nature Center in Wilmington, NC starting at 11:30 am. Additional details to follow.
Memorial Donations may be made to:
The National Parks Foundation – National Park Foundation | The Official Charitable Partner of the…
New Hanover Humane Society – www.newhanoverhumanesociety.org
Planned Parenthood – www.plannedparenthood.org/
North Carolina Council on the Blind – Home – NCCB