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Promoted to glory
Arlee Lansing
Arlee Grace Lansing, 89, was promoted to Glory on May 6, 2006 from the Royalwood Care Center, Torrance, California.
Arlee was born in Bellingham, Washington, on February 5, 1917 to Chester and Grace Taylor, and lived in Bremerton where her father worked in the shipyards until the end of World War I. In 1920 her parents returned to officership, and she attended elementary school in San Jose, junior high in San Diego and high school in Portland, Oregon. Following business school in Seattle, Washington, Arlee entered the training college in San Francisco in 1934 in the Guardians of the Covenant Session.
After several years as an officer, Arlee married Chet Lansing, and they raised their family at the San Francisco Citadel Corps. Arlee served as YPSM, and she was especially noted for directing plays and youth programs. She worked as a secretary at territorial headquarters for many years and also as public relations director at the adult rehabilitation center in San Francisco. In retirement the Lansings moved to Hayward and were faithful soldiers there.
Following her husband’s death, Arlee moved to Southern California to be near her daughter and attended the Torrance Corps whenever health permitted. She is survived by her brother, Commissioner Orval Taylor, daughters Sharon Crump and Major Charleen Bradley, six grandchildren, including Captain Eric Bradley, and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, with Major Peggy Helms and Captain Nancy Helms officiating.
Major Grazia Graham
Major Grazia Marion Graham, 91, was promoted to Glory on May 12, 2006 from Montclair Manor Care Center in Montclair, Calif.
Grazia was born in Bloomsburg, Penn. in 1914 and grew up in The Salvation Army Berwick, Penn. corps. After graduating from high school she entered The Salvation Army training school in Bronx, New York. She was commissioned with the Do and Dare Session.
After five years as a single officer, she married Clarence Graham in 1939, and they served 24 years as corps officers in the Eastern Territory.
In 1974 the Grahams transferred to the Western Territory and were appointed as corps officers of the Santa Rosa Corps. Three years later they were appointed to lead the San Francisco Mission Corps, from which they retired.
Grazia had a love for the Home League and youth programs wherever she was stationed, and music was also a special part of her ministry. In her earlier officer career she received special training in senior ministries, which helped her to develop senior citizens’ drop-in centers in several corps.
Following the promotion to Glory of her husband, Grazia lived with her son, James, in Upland, Calif. Health problems later required her move to an assisted living facility. She enjoyed playing the piano there while the other residents joined her in singing and prayers.
Grazia is survived by two sons, Clarence and James; one daughter, Judith; and a brother; Jack Swishey. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
A memorial service was held at the corps in Hayward, Calif., with Major C. Patrick Granat officiating.
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