Leonia Lewis Grafton

Mrs. Leonia Lewis Grafton, age 98 received her wings on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Royal Park Care Facility in Matthews, NC. She was born in Richburg, S.C. on, July 13, 1921 to the late James (Jim) and Lillie Lewis. In her childhood, she joined Love and Charity Baptist Church in Richburg, SC. She graduated from Finley High School in Chester, S.C. in 1941 and worked as a substitute teacher after graduation. She soon became a seamstress and expert in wedding growns and other clothing apparel.

She and her husband, Thomas Grafton, Jr., moved to Salisbury and joined Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church. She was a dedicated member of the church and served as a deaconess, choir member and superintendent of the Sunday School for several decades. In 1994, she was recognized as Woman of the Year. She was also a member of The Order of the Eastern Stars. She and her husband, served the local community as foster parent's in 1984. They both loved children and always held a special place in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Grafton, Jr., and siblings, Thomas J. Lewis, Henry E. Lewis, Diccie Mae (Lewis), Allsbrook and John C. Lewis. Survivors include her adopted son, Philip Caldwell, Salisbury, NC., adopted daughter, Valire Carr Copeland, PhD, Pittsbur, Pa., nieces and nephew, Leonia Jones (Barry) Salisbury, NC, Lillie M. Lee, Charlotte, NC and Jerry Allsbrook (Madelaine), Clinton, MD, godchildren, Sabrina Jones and Tory Jones, and a host of great, and great-great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service: Saturday, February 22, 2020. Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church. Visitation: 11:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Rev. Patrick Tate, pastor. Entombment will follow in Rowan Memorial Park, Salisbury, NC.

Hairston Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the Grafton family with sincere and professional services. Online condolences may be sent to, hairstonfh.com
 

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