Grace Gertrude Gravitt Oakley

Grace Gertrude Gravitt Oakley, 88, received her angel wings on March 12, 2016 in South Boston, VA. She was born November 12, 1927 in Halifax Co., VA, the eldest daughter of Murlin Virginia and Oscar Russell Gravitt. She grew up on a tobacco farm with four sisters and a brother. In her youth she was a pianist for her home church, Grace Baptist in Omega, VA. A graduate of Cluster Springs High School, she married Henry Samuel Oakley on December 20, 1946. Through the years she worked in retail, drove a school bus for York Co. Public Schools, and then retired after 18 enjoyable years as a rural route carrier in York Co for the U.S. Postal Service. Grace and Henry spent their retirement years on his family farm in the Cluster Springs area of Halifax County. Grace enjoyed reading, watching scary movies, and playing practical jokes. Pink was her favorite color and she loved flowers of all types, whether live or artificial. Her greatest love was for her children and family gatherings. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Henry; sisters, Ann Seat and Dixie Mouser; and granddaughter, Brittany Oakley. Left behind to cherish memories of their beloved mother and Granny Grace are her daughters, Libby Carolyn Carlson and husband, Bill, Trilby Murlin Lynn and husband, Phil, and Kathryn LaVerne Westwood; and son, Henry Samuel Oakley, Jr. and wife, Bessie. Grandchildren include Trilby Burt and husband, Charlie, Melissa Carlson, Heather Lee and husband, Beau, Chris Lynn and wife, Lisa, John Westwood and wife, Cristina, Rob Westwood and wife, Theresa, and Stacy Hurley and husband, Matt. Great Grandchildren include Ashley and Bryce Hatchell, Phillip and Elizabeth Lynn, Mason and Mia Westwood, Andrew Daulton, and Lily and Ethan Westwood. Other survivors include sisters, Libby Hazelwood and Gwendolyn Martin, brothers-in-law, Billy Seat and Troy Mouser, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter and Mary Oakley, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends a special note of appreciation to Delois Ferrell, Dotty Mottley, and Elva Wallace for the care given to their mother during her later years. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Black Walnut Baptist Church with visitation from 11 AM until noon, and service at noon with the Reverend Raymond Wooten officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Following the services, friends and family are invited for food and fellowship in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be directed to the youth programs of Black Walnut Baptist Church at BWBC Youth, PO Box 20, Cluster Springs, VA 24535.