Shortly before noon on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, Jesus cradled in His arms Evangelist Thelma Lyons Hargraves of Everets Rd. so she could rest eternally from her earthly labor. She was the eldest of eleven children born to the late George W. Lyons, Sr. and Margaret Wilson Lyons and was predeceased by two sons, Carlton Hargraves and his twin, a brother Larry Lyons, and a sister, Virginia Fulgham.

She was a member of Faith Temple COGIC in Norfolk, V A, where she served faithfully as a Missionary until her health declined.

She leaves to carry on her memory, her husband of 61 years, Robert Lee Hargraves, a son Robert Hargraves (Ruby) of Jersey City, NJ; two daughters, Stella Montesa and Juanita Turner, both of Hampton, VA; three sisters, Arlethia Keys and Frances Colander, both of Suffolk, VA and Margaret Ward of Newport News, VA; five brothers, James Lyons (Joyce) of Suitland, MD, Ellerson Lyons (Barbara) of Raleigh, NC, George W. Lyons, Jr. (Archie), Elder Curtis Lyons (Shirley), and Edward J. Lyons, all of Suffolk, VA; two sisters-in-law, Doris Almond of Smithfield, VA and Irene Gibbs of Norfolk, VA, ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, five aunts, seven uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Service to Celebrate Her Life will be held 12 noon November 10, 2009 at Diamond Grove Baptist Church, 6890 Crittenden Rd., Suffolk, VA with Elder James Williams and Rev. Dr. Calvin A Lillard officiating. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. A Wake will be held Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St. Suffolk.