Montego Bay Mourns the Tragic Killing of Businesswoman and Church Leader Althea Graham-Dolly

The peaceful morning in Montego Bay was shattered when gunmen attacked and killed local businesswoman Althea Graham-Dolly, a beloved figure in her community, on Sunday. At 52 years old, the former banker was shot multiple times outside her home in Bogue Village, just as she was preparing to head to church.

Graham-Dolly, known for her vibrant personality and love for life, had just returned to school to pursue her long-held dream of studying law. Her unexpected death has left a community in shock and grief, with many struggling to come to terms with the brutal and senseless act of violence.

On Sunday morning, Graham-Dolly had placed her Bible on a chair, but as she turned back to retrieve something, gunmen traveling in a car opened fire, killing her outside her home. Witnesses were awakened by the sound of gunshots, and police arrived to find her body lying face down in a pool of blood, with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body and head.

Her church family, who knew her as a dedicated and faithful member, have been left heartbroken. Lisa Watt, the rector’s warden at St. James Parish Church, described Graham-Dolly as a woman who always embraced life with passion, especially when it came to music. “You would see her rocking to the music, her broad-brimmed hat swaying with every move,” said Watt. “She loved the steel pan and was even learning to play it.”

Watt also shared that two days before her tragic death, Graham-Dolly had spoken with her about fundraising efforts for the church’s steel pan group, further demonstrating her commitment to the church and her community. She was also deeply involved in raising her only child in the faith, always striving for the best in life. “This one has really rocked us,” Watt said, noting how Graham-Dolly’s death had deeply affected the church and its members.

Born and raised in Westmoreland, Graham-Dolly had a distinguished career in banking. After attending Manning’s School and the University of Technology, where she earned an MBA, she worked at several financial institutions, including Victoria Mutual and Sagicor Bank. Her dedication to her work earned her recognition, including being named Team Member of the Year at Pan Caribbean Financial Services Ltd in 2009.

Her tragic death has sparked widespread speculation in Montego Bay, with some suggesting she may have been targeted, though no official motives have been confirmed by the authorities. The killing has left a dark cloud over the city, where her contributions to both business and her church community were deeply valued.

As the investigation continues, her family, friends, and church members remember Graham-Dolly as a woman of warmth, faith, and ambition—someone who lived life to the fullest and who will be missed dearly by all who knew her.