Virginia L. Gravley

Virginia Edith "Sally" Lovell Gravley, 84, of Foster Falls was called home Friday, June 26, 2009, after a valiant fight against congestive heart problems. Funeral service was held Monday, June 29, at the Foster Falls United Methodist church with the Rev. Lee Thomas and Jason Surratt officiating. The body was taken to the church one hour before service time. Interment followed in the Foster Falls Cemetery. She was born March 10, 1925, in Foster Falls, the daughter of the late William M. and Elva Young Lovell. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Claude William Gravley Sr., grandson Scott Allen Porter, brothers and sisters-in-law, Nathan "Tom" and Madeline Lovell, Oakley "Oak" Lovell, sisters and brothers-in-law Hazel and Rolla Mabry, Nell and Lonzie Coble, Richard "Mutt" Mahone and Buford Mabry. She never lost her sense of humor or spirit as the end approached. Sally was the beloved matriarch of the family who was always ready with a smile, comfort and wisdom for any occasion. She was a gentle soul who embraced life and family to the fullest. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Lonnie "John" Porter; her son Claude W. "Bill" Gravley Jr., all of Foster Falls; her granddaughters Brenda Surratt and husband Paul of Calhoun, Ga., Heather Dawn Gravley of Hillsville and Lori Kay Gravley of Wytheville; great-grandchildren Jason Surratt and his wife Mollie of Dalton, Ga., Kayla Surratt of Kennesaw, Ga., Brittney Surratt of Calhoun, Ga., Paige Sloan and Eli Sloan of Hillsville; sisters Helen Mahone and Ester "Sis" Mabry, both of Barren Springs, Dorothy Poston and her husband John of Roanoke and Martha Crockett and her husband Nathan; and, sister-in-law Daphene Lovell, all of Foster Falls. A special thank you and appreciation to Michelle Duncan whose care and concern helped ease her final days. Reese Funeral Home of Austinville was in charge of the arrangements.