Felton Theodore Graham Page: A Quiet Strength, A Servant’s Life

Family profile adapted from historical records and the memories preserved through time.

Curated by Kathleen A. Tucker (aka Kat) His Proud Great-Niece

Born on November 10, 1910, in Forrest City, Arkansas, Felton Theodore Graham Page was the third child of Mack and Ada Graham, and the eldest son among the twelve. Though much about his early years has been softened by time, what remains is this: he came from a lineage of strong, faithful people, and he carried that strength quietly and purposefully throughout his life.

Felton relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he spent the last 18 years of his life. It was there that he became known not just as a man, but as Reverend Felton Page, a servant to both his community and his Creator. His calling into ministry marked a path of devotion and leadership—one that mirrored the values instilled in him from his upbringing in the Graham household.

Yet behind his move north was a deeper story—one rooted in the hard truths of the time. As a Black man navigating life in the Jim Crow South, Felton found himself in a situation that threatened his life and freedom. In an attempt to protect himself, he became involved in a conflict with a white man—a skirmish that could have led to unjust and irreversible consequences. Knowing there was little chance for a fair trial or safe outcome, Felton made the painful decision to leave his hometown and start anew. To further protect himself, he also changed his last name from Graham to Page—a necessary step in a time when even a name could be a target.

He lived with the weight of that decision, not out of shame—but out of a will to survive.

Though distance separated him from his siblings, he never disconnected. Felton kept tabs on his family the best way he could in those days—through handwritten letters, faithfully sent and received. His bond with his siblings endured, inked onto paper and sealed with love across state lines.

When news came that Felton had fallen ill, his siblings wasted no time. A group of them traveled to Benton Harbor to lay eyes on their brother one more time. It was a reunion marked by emotion and courage—a family closing the distance that time and fear had built, if only for a moment.

Felton was a husband to Ruby, a father to five sons—William, Robert, Theron, Alvin, and Larry—and two daughters, Karen Yvonne and Catherine Clark, all of Benton Harbor. He was also a grandfather, and the proud brother of ten sisters and one younger brother, each of whom carried a piece of the same family legacy.

Felton passed away on August 24, 1965, at Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan, having been admitted just the day before. His funeral was held through Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, a final act of care for a man who had given so much of himself to others during his ministry.

While today’s generation may know less about Uncle Felton’s story, his place in the Graham family is unshakable. He stood as the first son, a quiet protector, a preacher, a father, and a brother among powerful women and one baby brother who looked up to him. The full details of his journey may be lost to history, but the impact of his presence—his faith, his leadership, and his role as a root in the family tree—remains.

Felton Theodore Graham Page walked a path of faith. And though his voice may no longer be heard, his service and strength still echo.