Lannae Tillman Graham

Lannae Tillman Graham, born on May 28, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Asheville.

Lannae graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1973, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History and a minor in French. In 1974 she moved to Asheville and began her career at Montreat in religious archival work, where she was meticulous and renowned for her expertise. Over the years she took jobs in Tulsa and Chicago, but she always returned to the mountains of North Carolina. Her life was characterized by a deep sense of love and commitment, exemplified in her role as Church Secretary at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she dedicated herself from 2005 until her retirement in 2023.

A devoted member of the Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church since 1989, Lannae was known for her loving, caring, and welcoming personality. She held a special place in her heart for the children at the church, and her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Lannae's contributions to her church community were invaluable, and she will be fondly remembered by many as someone who embodied the spirit of generosity and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Leslie Graham, Jr., and her mother, Nettie Rountree Tate Graham.

Lannae is survived by her beloved sisters, Julia Kathleen Graham Sommers and her husband T. David Sommers, and Paula Graham Evans and her husband Arthur V. Evans. She also leaves behind several cherished nieces and nephews: Dawn Ellen Morgan and her husband Tyler J., Jordan Thomas Sommers, Graham Hunter Wilson, and Hannah Joy Sommers and her husband Zacary Beveridge; and her great niece and nephew, Eliana Morgan and Myles Morgan. Lannae's legacy will continue to thrive through the lives she touched during her lifetime and through her church family at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, who mourn her passing deeply.

Lannae Tillman Graham’s life was one of purpose, empathy, and unwavering dedication to her faith and community. Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those she has left behind.

A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, 281 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, with Rev. Sean McCann officiating. A private burial will precede the service at Green Hills Cemetery.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church on Friday.

Lannae’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of The Laurels of Greentree Ridge for the exemplary care, compassion, and friendship given to Lannae and her family.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Lannae's family.