Unlike noteworthy evangelist, the late Billy Graham, his son Franklin dominates headlines with his polarizing take on politics. But we’re turning the spotlight on Franklin Graham’s wife, the amazing Jane Austin Cunningham Graham.
Franklin Graham is known for his evangelism just as much as he’s known for his controversy-courting political commentary. But Franklin Graham has an understated side to him, which involves his large brood. His wife, Jane Austin Cunningham Graham, is the glue that binds their large family together. Read all about the inspiring wife of Franklin Graham in our Jane Austin Cunningham Graham wiki.
Who Is Jane Cunningham?
Franklin and Jane married in 1974, in North Carolina. They have four children: William Franklin “Will” Graham IV (1975), Roy Austin Graham (1977), Edward Bell Graham (1979), and Jane Austin “Cissie” Graham Lynch (1986).
Jane Austin was born on Christmas Eve, 1950, making her 67 years old. Her daughter described her as someone eternally youthful who could still do handstands.
The evangelical couple are also grandparents to 11 grandchildren. She often joins her husband on the road, especially if the venue is somewhere close to where her grandkids live.
The first time she flew in a plane piloted by her husband, they crash-landed! Nevertheless, they stuck together through thick and thin for over four decades.
Also Read: Billy Graham’s Cause of Death: The Passing of America’s Most Beloved Pastor
She Was Close to Her Mother-in-law
Raising four kids while her husband was away on tours wasn’t an easy task. According to Cissie Graham, her mother and grandmother (Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth) bonded over the fact that their husbands were away most of the time.
“Their men were gone all the time,” said Cissie, “If there was a snake in the yard, they had to kill it. Fear never ran through them.”
Cissie said Jane and Ruth shared the same quirks and sweet sarcasm. They were always up for having fun and had a knack for adventure.
Ruth Graham’s passing in 2007 created a void that was felt by the entire family.
Also Read: Ruth Graham Wiki: Who Was the Late Pastor Billy Graham’s Wife?
She Kept the Family Grounded
Franklin Graham’s kids rarely got to see him while he was touring, though they did get to tag along occasionally. As Cissie wrote on the family’s website, her mother Jane kept her and her brothers grounded.
“We lived in a humble home in the mountains of North Carolina. My mom kept us on a regular routine. She drove us to school, went to sporting events—she didn’t miss anything. Her ‘no’ meant ‘no’ and her ‘yes’ meant ‘yes,’” said Cissie.
Franklin’s daughter also said that her mom was the unofficial “Town Mom.” Jane was not above disciplining kids that were not her own, either. But she also made everyone feel comfortable around her and was loved by all.
Cissie is married to former NFL safety, Corey Lynch. He would visit the Graham house with Cissie’s best friend from college before they began dating. Jane became an unofficial mom to Corey and his teammates, making sure they didn’t miss home.
