Lorene Gravely Wade

Obituary For Lorene Gravely Wade

With tender hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the legacy of Lorene Gravely Wade, who passed away peacefully on the morning of May 6, 2026. She was born on January 27, 1943, in Leatherwood, Virginia, to the late Obie Gravely, Sr. and Viola Craighead Gravely. As the eldest of six children, Lorene carried a quiet strength and natural grace that would guide her throughout her life and lovingly shape those around her.

Affectionately known as “Denny” by her siblings and “Dunny” by older relatives and lifelong friends, Lorene held a cherished place in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Phyllis Gravely and Obie Gravely, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted sisters: Gail Arnette Howard, Claudette Gravely, and Larneil Vaughter.

Lorene was united in marriage to James Herbert Wade, with whom she shared 26 years of partnership, commitment, and love. That relationship ended in 1988. From that union, they were blessed with two daughters, Alethia Vonn Wade and Akua N. Zenzele (formerly known as Terri Raimonda Wade), who was the pride and joy of her life. As a wife, Lorene was supportive, understanding, and devoted. As a mother, she was nurturing, loving, and deeply doting—offering a steady presence, gentle wisdom, and unwavering care. And as a grandmother she was patient, attentive and protective.

To her extended family, church family, and community, Lorene was the embodiment of kindness and sincerity. Though soft-spoken and humble in demeanor, she was a remarkably strong and powerful force—her quiet resilience and enduring love leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Carver High School, Lorene cultivated a remarkable career rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and service. She was a highly skilled laborer; Lorene offered her talents to several knitting and furniture factories; her primary vocation was as an entrepreneur. She built and sustained her own upholstery and drapery business for more than 40 years, initially with her husband and ten on her own after their divorce. Exceptionally talented with her hands, Lorene was widely admired for designing and creating beautiful prom and pageant gowns, custom draperies, and restoring chairs and sofas with elegance and care. Her creativity extended beyond sewing and upholstery into the kitchen, where she lovingly baked wedding and birthday cakes, crafted homemade chocolate candies, and prepared a variety of sweets that brought joy to family, friends, and community gatherings. Her hands crafted beauty, comfort, and love into the homes and lives of many. She concluded her professional journey as a civilian employee with the Richmond Police Department, retiring in 2005.

Lorene was also a devout Christian whose faith guided her life with humility, compassion, and quiet strength. Initially a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Leatherwood, VA, she later became a member of First Baptist Church Centralia in Chesterfield, VA. She faithfully served on the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Board the Golden Fleet (Senior Group) for many years, welcoming others with warmth, grace, and a gentle spirit that reflected her deep commitment to God and service to others.

Lorene embraced life’s simple joys. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and attended community events and gatherings adorned in purple and red. She was also the co-founder of the Gravely Morrison Cousins Club, where she helped nurture family bonds and shared heritage. She found happiness in music, delighted in line dancing, taking brisk walks and cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.

She leaves to carry forward her legacy her daughters, Alethia and Akua; her cherished grandchildren, Naeelah, Amirah and grand goddaughter, Catura; her siblings, Gail, Claudette, and Larneil; her brother-in-law, John Vaughter; her nephews, Robert Howard, Christopher Howard, Obie Gravely, III, and Justin Vaughter; her niece Lakisha Gravely, along with a host of extended relatives, dear friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her gentle spirit.

Lorene Gravely Wade’s life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring love, unwavering devotion, and extraordinary creativity. Though she may have moved softly through this world, the impact of her presence will echo loudly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever be a blessing and a guiding light.

A family visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA. With Pastor Deon Noel as the eulogist. The interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA.

The family will receive friends at Hairston Funeral Home on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. At all other times the family will began receiving friends at the home, 2204 Stoney Mountain Rd., Martinsville, VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

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