Mary Helen Gravitt

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so well lived, we announce the passing of Mary Helen Wilkins Gravitt, 85, of Virgilina, Virginia. Mary Helen went home to be with her Lord on September 23, 2025, surrounded by love and the enduring legacy of her faith, family, and community.

Born on February 16, 1940, to the late Cecil and Frances Wilkins, Mary Helen was a lifelong resident and pillar of the Virgilina community. She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Wiley Thomas Tomlinson, Jr. and John Robert Gravitt.

Mary Helen is survived by her loving daughters: Ellen Haskett (Michael), Julia Tomlinson (Mike), and Lynn Carr (Kenny). She was the proud and devoted grandmother to Spenser Haskett (Allie), Sable Haskett (Matthew), Tommy Powell, Daniel Haskett (Lillian), Jordan Carr, Madelyn Haskett, Jake Carr, Tamara Logan, Josh Logan, April McKinney, and in memory, Ryan McKinney. Her great-grandchildren — Jonah, Tobias, Crew, Zephaniah, Ezra, and Isla. Also her son in law Ron McKinney, and her foster daughter, Tina Elliott.

She is also survived by her brother, William Wilkins (Cheryl), her sister, Mary Lou Boal (Bob-in memory), and nieces and nephews: Emily Wilkins, Beverly McClean, Tom Boal, Ben Boal, Charlie Young, Brian Young, with loving remembrance of Wendy Wrenn. She also had wonderful great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mary Helen was best known in the community as the longtime, beloved secretary of Virgilina Elementary School, where she served not just as a secretary, but as a “bonus mom” to countless students and teachers. Her support for education extended far beyond her official role, and her impact remains immeasurable.

She was a committed public servant and advocate for her town, serving on the Virgilina Town Council, the Virgilina Woman's Club, and the Women's Fellowship. In her early years, she was a Girl Scout leader and is remembered by many for all she taught them during her time as their leader.

She was also very active in church where through the years she served as an organist, pianist, choir member, Sunday School teacher, VBS volunteer, and in any capacity where there was a need. Whether at home or traveling, Mary Helen never missed a Sunday in worship. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she made sure others felt the love of Christ in her words and actions. As a devoted fan of the Gaither Homecoming Tours, Mary Helen made it her mission to attend their concerts whenever possible.

Mary Helen loved the water — ocean, river, lake, or pool, it didn’t matter, as long as she could splash, float, or swim. She was the adored matriarch on countless family and friend vacations to the beach and the mountains, bringing laughter, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.

She brought joy, humor, and a welcoming spirit wherever she went. Known for her generous heart and lively personality, she made everyone feel like family. Her Sunday lunches were legendary — open to all, but always with one rule: "You don’t go to church, you don’t eat."

Her final years were marked by strength, resilience, and grace as she battled dementia for over a decade. Her family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary Personal Care Assistants who cared for her with true compassion — their love and dedication to her were such a huge blessing.

Mary Helen's light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. Her laughter, her music, her faith, and her love are not gone — they live on in every person who was blessed enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 5:30 PM at Willow Oak Christian Church, 2130 Wilson Road, Virgilina, VA. A dinner and time of visitation will follow the service. Friends and loved ones are also welcome to visit the family at Mary Helen’s home: 1021 7th Street, Virgilina, Virginia.