Lois departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 3, 2024. She was born on June 4, 1936, in Louisa County, Virginia.  She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Jessie Mallory, Sister Jean Holmes, Brother Thomas Mallory, Son Earl Graves, Jr. and son-in-law Laird (Tack) Nelson.

Lois grew up in Louisa County, Virginia and was educated at the Willow Brook School.  She often shared the memories of walking to school along with her siblings, cousins and the neighborhood kids.  She graduated from the Louisa Training School.  Lois was employed at the Louisa Manufacturing Company for more than 20 years.  She was also employed by Kmart Corporation for more than 10 years.  Upon retirement, Lois would enjoy her final days sitting on her Sun Porch and watching the various vehicles travel the roads (she was the neighborhood watch). Reading the Central Virginian Newspaper was one of her favorite weekly past times (she would often reread the same newspaper to ensure she did not miss anything).

Lois accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, she was baptized by the late Reverend P. H. West and joined the Mt. Hope Baptist Church.  Even though Lois was humble and soft spoken, she kept the 23 Psalm close to her heart – she knew that the Lord was indeed her Shepherd.

Lois leaves to cherish her memories four loving and devoted children, Linda Nelson, Harriet Thurston (Michael), Harry Graves (Valerie), Thomas Graves Sr. (Sharon) and one daughter-in-law Gayle Murphy-Graves. Nine loving and very caring grandchildren Michelle Johnson (Donald), Tiffany Pancham (Ashley), Earlwen Watson, Tristen Franklin (Leonard), Jocylen Graves, Thomas Graves Jr. (Alexus), Eryn Graves, Whitney Thurston and Murphy Graves, four great grandchildren Riley Johnson, Taylor Franklin, Emery and Olive Pancham, one beloved sister Margaret Jones (Arthur).  A loving dedicated and devoted couple Richard and Sharon White. Also, to cherish her memories are devoted nieces and nephews. The highlight of her Sunday afternoon would be receiving a telephone call from her sister Margaret, nephew George and her nieces Jean and Janet. In addition, a host of cousins, neighbors, and friends will forever cherish her memories.  Special friends, Lillie Smith, Lillian Morris, Florine Boddie, Jean Smith, Sarah Anderson and Cora Woodford.

Lois was faithful, dedicated and a life-long member of the Mt. Hope Baptist Church. She served as Deaconess (a Past President), Ushers Ministry, Missionary Ministry, and she was a member of the Hospitality Ministry.  She also sang on the Senior (Sanctuary) Choir and the J. E. Ensemble Choir.  Until her passing, she was a joyful, dedicated and active participant in the 'Young at Heart'- Seniors Ministry and she attended the weekly Daytime Bible Study class regularly.  Lois would often mention the love she had for her Pastor, Reverend Dr. Monroe and Lady Jean Smith.

Lois was loved by her family, friends, and we will miss her tremendously.