Tomma Hargraves
July 26, 1948 - September 7, 2023
Raleigh, North Carolina - Tomma Suzanne Hargraves (Gooding), age 75, of Raleigh, North Carolina died Thursday, September 7, 2023. She was a graduate of Highland High School in Salt Lake City, UT, and the University of Washington. Tomma was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, an accomplished speech pathologist for Wake County Schools and a dedicated advocate for lung cancer research. As a lung cancer advocate, Tomma raised significant research funds and supported countless patients in their fight against cancer.
An avid UNC fan, Tomma cheered the Tar Heels in every game and was known to sneak Tar Heel flags onto her neighbors' porches for fun. Tomma enjoyed traveling with her husband, Bob, and taking their Labrador Charlie for walks.
Proceeded in death by her parents, Sarah Shockley and William Gooding, Tomma is survived by her husband, Bob; sister, Lynn Ervin of Tucson, AZ; son, Josh Hargraves (Allison Stiles) and grandchildren, Huntley, Grayson and Benjamin, all of Atlanta.
The family would like to express its thanks for the wonderful care that Tomma received at UNC Healthcare. If desired, friends may make contributions to the Lung Cancer Initiative of NC, in lieu of flowers. A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, NC, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 9:30am. A reception will follow the service at a local restaurant.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Sep. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Tomma Hargraves

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

16 Entries

Chrissie

February 14, 2025

Dear Tomma, miss you and love you, especially as the Muttniks are gathering soon for another reunion. Love, Chrissie

Michol Mary Beltran

September 18, 2023

Tomma was a bright light on this earth! Vibrant, dedicated, tireless energy and a loving amazing wife, caregiver, mom, grandmother, teacher and advocate! Truly the world is a better place with the seeds she planted. Sending love in my heart and prayers to Bob, Josh, family and dear friends for your loss.

Sooz Parry

September 16, 2023

I will miss my childhood and forever friend the rest of my life. So much love to you Bob, Josh, and Charlie. xoxo

Holly Knox

September 15, 2023

Tomma was a wonderful person--I got to know her as I got involved in promoting Democratic party issues. She was such a joy--smart, committed, a dedicated activist. Will miss her SO much!

Pearl Raikin

September 12, 2023

Tomma was an amazing teacher and a wonderful friend. She supported her students and the teachers who she worked with. We remained friends after she left our school and always had a great time even if it was only chatting on Facebook, but we were able to get together in person one time and really enjoy each other. Tomma, I will miss your wonderful sense of humor and devotion to the people who you worked with and gave so much time and love to in order to make their lives better

Amy Dzura

September 12, 2023

Tomma was such a support to me as a young special education teacher. She was very knowledgeable, kind, and patient with the students. She touched many young lives during her years as a speech pathologist. She will be remembered by many. Prayers for the family.

Susan Moore

September 12, 2023

It was a such a gift to get to work on LCI volunteer committees with Tomma, and become friends. Her energy and enthusiasm for life and service to others was boundless. I can´t imagine our happy hours without her, but they will go on to honor her! She will be so missed. My condolences to Bob, Josh and family, and all Tomma´s family, friends and causes. Rest in peace, Tomma.

Kevyn Creech

September 11, 2023

Tomma was an amazing super volunteer with the Wake County Democratic Party. She was hard working, creative, outspoken, and hilarious. I always looked forward to every conversation and every event with her. She will be sorely missed for a long time.

Jeremy Holden

September 11, 2023

Natalie & I are heartbroken to hear of Tomma´s passing. She was an amazing soul and her legacy will live on through LCI & those of us who had the privilege of knowing her. With love to Bob and her family, Jeremy & Natalie Holden.

Lynne Taylor

September 11, 2023

I was a coworker in WCPSS and greatly appreciated Tomma' spirit and encouragement. She helped so many people during her life and I am deeply regretful to miss her memorial service. She epitomized a life well lived in service to others and will always be remembered.

Carey Eber

September 10, 2023

What sadness for the entire UNC community and her many friends. We shared so many special times with our sons at UNC where we met some 25 years ago. Tomma has been an inspiration ever since for her fight and strong commitment to lung cancer and finding a cure. She was a very special lady in so many ways. My sincere sympathy to Josh and Bob. Goooo Heels

Nandita Dulia

September 10, 2023

Tomma was an inspiration to many people. Her kindness touched many hearts over the years. RIP

Peggy Klement Gafvert

September 9, 2023

Another star has joined the heavens her name is Tomma! May you shine bright until we meet again! Growing up with you and the muttkins was the best ! You shall be missed!

Cindy & Tom Girman

September 9, 2023

Will miss my shared birth-day buddy (July 26) and my fellow Tarheel fan. Tomma was a force - she had incredible fight in her to beat lung cancer and her advocacy for raising funds and supporting lung cancer patients was admirable. You will be sorely missed

Sherry Fages

September 9, 2023

Tomma was such a warrior and a supporter of Lung Cancer Awareness. She was amazing in help to others going through lung cancer treatments. Her passing was such a shock. Our condolences to you, Bob, her sister and Josh and his family.

Christine Kelly

September 9, 2023

Tomma, you wil be so missed. All our gatherings hold such a wonderful place in my memories. I can't believe there will be no more of them-until I too reach eternity! My tears were shed, but I will make sure that the memories are stronger.

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