Annie Louise (Lawson) Graves

Annie Louise Lawson Graves was the daughter of Edward Lawson, Sr., and Florence Rice Lawson. Born on January 19, 1926, she was the eldest child of seven. She grew up in Reidsville’s Racetrack District, where the love of family always sustained her. On Tuesday, October 08, 2024, God sent His Angels to bring her wings to fly to her new address 100 Heavenly Avenue. There, Jesus received her in His loving arms, and she was reunited with her beloved family. She was the last of her generation.

A lifelong resident of Reidsville, she attended the local public schools. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1945! Upon her adulthood, she married Ray Lee Graves, Sr. on August 30, 1948, in Danville, VA. On a hot Sunday afternoon, they welcomed a son, Ray Lee Graves, Jr., on July 30, 1950. Then on June 05, 1999, a daughter-in-law was added to the family, Vanessa “Twinkle” Richmond with open arms from Annie.

She joined the Elm Grove Baptist Church at a youthful age and was a devoted member serving God earnestly. A member of the Willing Workers Auxiliary and the Elm Grove Mass Choir. Annie served diligently until her health no longer allowed her. Wherever and whenever she was needed, she tirelessly toiled through and went where the task(s) was presented.

Annie worked at American Tobacco Company and Sylvania GTE for many years. After her retirement, she worked for Rockingham County Schools. The children all revered her, and she never met a stranger. One of the teachers she adored at Reidsville High School remembered an important event. She left her door open, but upon returning, the door was closed. She said that Annie said, “Shh. I am eating my lunch and watching my stories.”  A memory that everyone can relate to.

She was quiet in nature and never liked strife. Her pastimes were looking in thrift shops and DRIVING with her Bobbsey Twin, Helen. They were always together, and yes; she was still driving at age 97 like someone on the VIR (Virginia International Raceway)!

Annie was predeceased by her parents, husband, and six siblings: Florence, Mary, Helen, Napoleon, Ed Jr., and Moses.

Leaving behind to cherish and continue her legacy, son Ray Lee Jr., daughter-in-law Vanessa, sisters-in-law Rita Turner (David), Linda Inge, Yanceyville, NC, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Elm Grove Baptist Church, 1302 US 29 Bus, Reidsville, NC. The family will receive visitors and friends from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A burial will follow at Elm Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Public visitation will be held at the church on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.  The live streaming service for Mrs. Annie Louise Lawson Graves will be available for viewing approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the service. Click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ6wfy2faLdC20r3TkQpsVQ/live

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annie Louise (Lawson) Graves, please visit our floral store.