Barbara Wrenn Graves

Mrs. Barbara Wrenn Graves, 88, a lifelong resident of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 28, 2014, in the Skilled Nursing Unit of Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mrs. Graves was born March 3, 1926, in Surry County, the daughter of the late Lucien Patterson Wrenn and Beatrice Pelley Wrenn. Following graduation from high school in Mount Airy, she graduated from Mary Baldwin College, where she was student body president. After working briefly in New York City, she returned to Mount Airy where he met her husband, Ben K. Graves, who predeceased her in 1997. Barbara's life was centered on her family, her deep faith in God, and her concern for the welfare of others. Her many community activities included work with the Mount Airy Woman's Cub, The Salvation Army, and the Northern Hospital volunteers. Central United Methodist Church benefited from her numerous service involvements and leadership. For many years, she was president of the United Methodist Women and chair of the Visitation Circle, and was the first woman to serve on the church's Board of Trustees. Though unable to attend church for several years, she maintained an avid interest in its welfare and activities. In 2012, she was awarded the church's Laity Service Award. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Ann Martin and Meg Graves, both of Mount Airy; her son, Kelly Graves of Charlotte; a daughter-in-law, Meredith Graves; a son-in-law, Conrad Martin; her grandchildren, Marcus Martin, Wrenn Martin, Chas Graves, Sarah Graves, and Caroline Graves; two great-grandchildren; and her brother, Lucien Wrenn of Virginia Beach, VA. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Central United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jim Pyatt officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. The family thanks the staff of the Skilled Nursing Unit of Northern Hospital of Surry County for the two years of their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Graves family.