Mrs. Gerald (Graham) Dupree

Life’s Reflections

Sister Gerald Gene (Graham) Dupree was born in Forrest City, Arkansas to the union of Mr. Clifford Harvey Graham Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Graham. They relocated to the city of Indianapolis, Indiana in 1951.

Sister Dupree was a graduate of the 1967 class of Shortridge High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Library Science from Butler University. She worked at Butler University for 10 years. She retired from Indiana University Purdue-University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), after 25 years. During her time at IUPUI, she worked with students in International Affairs, and Student Advising. She retired as a Returning Student Specialist, serving on the Black Faculty and Staff Council. Also at IUPUI, she was instrumental in the creation of its first “Black Graduation” ceremony. Over 20 years ago, she committed to a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family. She ultimately achieved her goal as a certified fitness instructor in 2019.

As a young adult Gerald was a faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she met her husband of 35 years Deacon Dale Dupree and married in April 1984.

Sister Dupree loved God and God’s people. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. She was a dedicated member of Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ for over 35 years. Over the years she was an active Choir Member, Sunshine Band Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Band Teacher, Walk-a-thon Coordinator, Young People Willing Worker’s Teacher, Young Women’s Christian Council Leader, Christian Women’s Council Leader, Pastor’s Aide Assistant, Ministers and Deacons Wives Leader, Mission’s Department Worker, Evangelism Department Worker, Nurse’s Unit Worker, Communion Server, Prayer Warrior and Church Secretary. While she loved the work inside the church, what she loved most was the work outside of the church and in her own community. Sister Dupree travelled oversees to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to those in South Africa, Chile, Guyana (South America), Panama, England and Whales. Sister Dupree was also an active board member of the Mapleton Fall Creek Neighborhood Association. She advocated for the rights of unborn children with “Right to Life” and “Black Americans for Life”.

Sister Dupree was a published author. She loved books, reading, and writing. Every room in her home is filled with verses of scripture, Bibles, and other books. Sister Dupree loved not only to collect, but also to share her knowledge. She was a natural born teacher. She loved working with children. If you were a member of Freedom Temple in the last 35 years, you were taught by Sister Dupree, most likely pinched, then given some type of snack at the end of class.

Sister Dupree was preceded in death by her sister Mary Duncan, her niece Geri Duncan, and her mother Elizabeth Graham.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her husband, Dale Dupree, her father, Clifford Harvey Graham, Sr, her children; Jamila Dunigan Miller (Kevin), Ayanna Dupree, Jarina Dunigan, Matthew Dupree and Delaiah Dupree. Her grandsons, Caymen Dunigan and Jacari Davis. Special great niece and nephew, Ayriel Williams and Tyron Williams. Her brothers, Clifford (Carol) Graham Jr., brother Melvin (Phyllis) Graham, and sister, Anita Boyd. In addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousin and friends and her church family.