Barbara Laverne Epps Gravely was born on January 27, 1947, in Emporia, VA to the late James and Virginia Epps. She spent her childhood and teen years in Emporia where she attended Greensville County Training School and Edward W. Wyatt High School. She excelled in school and developed a love of learning and teaching that would not only follow her into adult life but also lay the foundation for her future career choices.

After graduating from high school, Barbara attended Hampton Institute (now University) for one year with the intention of pursuing a career in social work. Her education was interrupted when her father's failing health made it impossible for him to finance additional years of college. It would soon become obvious that this was not the end of her dreams; it was just a detour.

In 1968, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Moore. The couple made their home in Emporia. Their time was filled with caring for their two children, Tonya and Randy, and becoming actively involved in their community through service to various organizations.

In 1981, Barbara decided that it was time to resume her college education that was put on hold so many years ago. Even with a full-time job and a family to raise, Barbara successfully managed home and her career while earning a Bachelor's degree from St. Paul's College; she then continued her education earning a Master's degree from Virginia State College (now University).

Barbara devoted the remainder of her career to teaching elementary school in the Sussex County School System and later taking on an administrative role in Special Education. Health issues brought her career to a premature end; however, she touched countless lives in that time. It is impossible to travel around Petersburg or Emporia without running into former students of hers who speak lovingly about how "Mrs. Moore" was their favorite teacher and how she influenced their lives. She also spoke fondly of them and never stopped caring about her students.

Although Barbara and Thomas' marriage ended after 20 years, the two remained friends and enjoyed co-grandparenting their grandchildren.

In 1996, Barbara married Jack Gravely, and the couple made their home in Petersburg. Both were devout Christians, and much of their energy revolved around the church. They both served as Deacons at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, where they were actively involved in the life and functions of the church. Barbara continued to teach through the church ministry.  Even when health issues forced her to stop attending church, she often met with members of her church family who would visit her in her home to join in prayer and spiritual guidance. Barbara absolutely loved her fellow church members.

Barbara's life has been one of giving to others in innumerable ways. She sowed seeds of love and compassion throughout her life. Barbara truly lived her faith, and she will be missed by all who love her.

In the early morning hours of April 29, 2025, God called his "good and faithful servant" home.  Although our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that she has reached her higher ground. Her light will shine forever in our hearts.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, James and Virginia Epps; five siblings, Harold Epps, Franklin Epps, Robert Lee Epps, Bernice Epps-Burnett, and James Bernard Epps; and her husband, Jack Gravely.

She is survived by her two sisters, Betty Elder and Brenda Alston; children, Tonya Powell (James) and Thomas "Randy" Moore (Julie); grandchildren, Darius Moore, Jessica, Devin, Myles (Adrianna), Cory (Christin) and Jameson; great grandchildren, Blair, Bryson, Kopeland, Nicholas, Damian and Osiris; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We would like to thank our family and friends for providing our mother with so much kindness during an incredibly challenging time.

Services will be held 12:00 Noon, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.