Obituaries

Frances Gravely, 84, departed from this life on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Blue Ridge Therapy Connect, Stuart, VA. She was born in Martinsville, VA on May 27, 1939, the daughter of Mort M. Hairston and Frances H. “Queen” Hairston.

In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Cornell Gravely, Sr; six sisters, Mary Carter, Kitty Tarpley, Daisy Hairston, Lillie Whitaker, Amanda Oliver, and Myriah Hairston; and nine brothers, James “Frank” Hairston, Major Lee Hairston, Matthew Dillard, Johnnie Hairston, Benjamin Hairston, Marshall Hairston, Earlie Hairston, Carnell Hairston, and Earnest Hairston.

Frances was a member of New Fall Creek Primitive Baptist Church. She retired from American Furniture Company after thirteen years of service.

Frances leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Cynthia Gravely of Martinsville, VA; two sons, Danny E. Gravely (Karen) of Axton, VA, and Cornell Gravely, Jr. of Belchertown, MA; three grandchildren, Toneika Gravely Davis (William) of Kernersville, NC, Corey Perkins of Greensboro, NC, and Alexis Gravely of Axton, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville with Elder Herbert Prunty, Eulogist. The burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 2256 Carver Rd., Martinsville, VA. A public viewing will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the home, 305 Providence LN., Martinsville, VA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.