After working for 40 years in the funeral business, Dorothy Graham decided to take it to the next level.

She opened Graham Funeral Home on Wilkesboro Street in Mocksville. That was 20 years ago, and she’s still going strong.

Graham is hosting an open house in recognition of that 20th anniversary from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17-19. Friends and families are invited to drop by anytime during those hours to receive a courtesy gift.

Graham takes the funeral home’s “We Care” motto to heart.

“We take pride in trying to make each detail of every service as perfect as possible for our families,” she said.

At age 80, she’s thought about retiring, but not yet.

“It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been rewarding. With the help of God and the support of the community, we’ve made it 20 years – a good 20 years. I appreciate it. I’ve always tried to do what is right.”

Graham has conducted 742 services.

The first licensed female funeral director in Davie County, Graham started in 1962.

She’s served on the boards of local non-profit groups, as well as the state funeral director’s association, a position that allowed her to travel across the country. She has earned several awards from that association.

She’s helped shape Davie’s future, helping get a community college here, serving on the social services and other boards. She is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, a member of Pearls of Empowerment, and in 2007 was the Davie Businesswomens Woman of the Year.