Virginia Edith Gravley

Virginia Edith Lovell (Sally) Gravley, 84, of Foster Falls, Va., was called home Friday, June 26, 2009, after a valiant fight against congestive heart problems. 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. Sally was born March 10, 1925, in Foster Falls, 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, and Oakley "Oak" Lovell; sisters and brother-in-laws, Hazel and Rolla Mabry, Nell and Lonzie Coble, Richard "Mutt" Mahone and Buford Mabry. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Lonnie "John" Porter; son, Claude W. "Bill" Gravley Jr., all of Foster Falls; granddaughters, Brenda Surratt and husband, Paul, of Calhoun, Ga., Heather Dawn Gravley, of Hillsville, Lori Kay Gravley, of Wytheville; greatgrandchildren, Jason Surratt and wife, Mollie, of Dalton, Ga., Kayla Surratt, of Kennesaw, Ga., Brittney Surratt, of Calhoun, Ga., Paige Sloan, and Eli Sloan, both of Hillsville; sisters, Helen Mahone, Ester "Sis" Mabry, both of Barren Springs, Dorothy Poston and husband, John, of Roanoke, Martha Crockett and husband, Nathan; sister-in-law, Daphene Lovell, all of Foster Falls. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 29, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Foster Falls United Methodist Church with the Reverend Lee Thomas and Jason Surratt officiating. The body will be taken to the church one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Foster Falls Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Reese Funeral Home Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. or at the residence at any time. A special thank you and appreciation to Michelle Duncan whose care and concern helped ease the final days. Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, Va. is in charge of the arrangements.