The Beginning

Joanner Graves Stratton was born on September 24, 1923 to the late Gregory and Frances Graves of Eastville, Virginia.

The Journeys

Joanner was educated in Northampton County, Virginia.  She was employed for a number of years with GL Webster (Kane-Miller, Inc) until the closing of the factory. Joanner was predeceased in death by a brother, Edward Graves, Sr.  On June 24, 1943 she married James F. Stratton; unto this holy union seven children were born.  Joanner was a devoted, loving and faithful wife and mother and always greeted you with a smile. She found the Lord early in life and joined the African Baptist Church where she was a devoted member. She served faithfully on Choir II for over 27 years. "Precious Lord" was one of her favorite hymns. Even during her illness, at any given time, you could come to visit her and hear her singing hymns.

The End

In the late evening of August 9, 2010, the Lord's Angels came and took our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Joanner Graves Stratton, to her Heavenly home in Glory. She leaves to cherish precious memories of her to a devoted husband of 67 years, James (Boo) Stratton, three daughters: Martha (Maurice) Rogers of Norfolk, VA, Margaret (Daid) Commodore of Indianapolis, Indiana and Yetta (Dwayne) Wilkins of Norfolk, VA; four sons: James Stratton, Jr. of Omaho, Nebraska, Thomas Lee Stratton of Cheriton, VA, Irving (Shirlean) Stratton of Culls, VA and Wayne Stratton of Chesapeake, VA; one sister, Ms Sallie Graves of Philadelphia, PA; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Life is but a stopping Place

Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be
A resting place along the road
To sweet eternity
We all have different journeys
Different paths along the way
We are all meant to learn some things
But never meant to stay
Our destination is a place
Far greater than we know
For some the journey is quicker
For some the journey is slow
But when the journey finally ends
We claim a great reward
And find an everlasting peace
Together with the Lord.

Lovingly the Family