Audra Marie Lawson Chilton

Mrs. Audra Marie Lawson Chilton, 41, of Ararat, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, and friend, Audra’s life was marked by her unwavering love for those around her, her passion for living life to the fullest, and her commitment to living with kindness and compassion.

Mrs. Chilton was born October 24, 1983, in Surry County, the older of two children born to William Craig and Patricia Lynn Draughn Lawson.

Audra grew up in Mount Airy and graduated from North Surry High School in 2002, where her radiant personality and infectious smile made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. After high school, she attended Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in 2006 and a Master of Science in Accounting in 2007. Following her education, Audra became a Certified Public Accountant, further solidifying her expertise and dedication to her profession.

Audra’s professional career was nothing short of remarkable. She began her journey as a Senior Associate at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP in Winston-Salem and briefly worked as a Senior Accountant at BB&T. However, her true calling came when she took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Mount Airy City Schools in February 2014. Audra’s exceptional leadership skills led her to Surry County Schools in 2022, where she served as Chief Financial Officer with dedication and grace.

Her colleagues at Surry County Schools and Mount Airy City Schools, where she worked tirelessly to support both students and staff, remember her as a beacon of warmth and compassion. Her absence will be profoundly felt, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of working alongside her.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Audra was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, and mother. Her love for her family was unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent with them. As a wife, she was a constant source of support, love, and encouragement, always making her home a place of warmth and comfort. As a mother, Audra’s devotion to her children was boundless – her nurturing spirit and love knew no limits. She created a home filled with laughter, joy, and memories that will live on forever in the hearts of her family.

Audra was more than just a talented and highly respected finance officer. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out. Her wit, sense of humor, and boundless spirit left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her smile could light up any room, and her ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her was unparalleled. Audra’s deep love for her family and friends and her genuine kindness radiated through everything she did, and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Tyler Daniel Chilton; two daughters, Amelia Marie Chilton (age 13) and Blakely Claire Chilton (age 9); her parents, William Craig and Patricia Lynn Draughn Lawson; her brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Cathryn Lawson; her niece, Alaina Lawson; her nephew, Jameson Lawson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Judy Chilton; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ron Chilton, Jr. and Jennifer Chilton and Andrew and Lavonna Chilton; along with countless family members who loved her dearly.

Mrs. Chilton was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Wesley Junior and Minnie Mae Hodges Draughn; and her paternal grandparents, Brockley William Lawson and Forrest Lucille Stone Lawson Childress.

A service of worship and celebration of Audra’s life will be held Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Highland Park Baptist Church, with Dr. Darrell Tate officiating. In keeping with Audra’s spirit, the service will be filled with laughter, love, and music – just as she would have wanted. Please join the family in honoring the memory of a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, kindness, and the importance of making each moment count on Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Surry Cancer Awareness Team, 201 Bluff Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC  27017.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.