VIRGINIA BEACH – Laura Jean Barber Gravely, 83, passed away February 12, 2018.

Laura was the daughter of the late Laura and Irvin Barber.   She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Peyton Ford Gravely, Sr., her brother Irvin Barber, Jr., sisters Anne Flora Saunders and Mary Queen.

Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, she grew up in Lafayette Presbyterian Church and still enjoyed monthly lunches with “the Lafayette gang.” Laura graduated from Maury High School in 1952. One of her greatest joys was singing; she was a devoted choir member.   Laura retired from the Va. Beach school system with 26 years of service. She very much enjoyed her friends at 900 Acqua, where she resided the last 5 years.

Laura is survived by her son, Peyton Ford Gravely, Jr. (Charlene) of Portsmouth, VA., and daughter Laura Elizabeth Mardis (Chip), of Chesapeake, VA. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren – Nicole and Sara Gravely, and RJ and Amy Mardis. Also surviving her: Bernard and Peggy Gravely, Betty Barber, Barbara and Chuck Welch.

Laura was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 17, 12:00 noon, at Providence Presbyterian Church, 5497 Providence Rd., Va. Beach. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the Music Fund at Providence Presbyterian Church.