Nannie Hargrave
Published 12:00 am Friday, March 13, 2009
Nannie B. Hargrave
PORTSMOUTH—Nannie B. Grave died March 7, 2009.
She was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Como, N.C.
She had an incredible 84-year physical life journey. “Nannie B.,” as she was affectionately called, received her formal education in the public schools of North Carolina.
Mrs. Hargrave graduated from C.S. Brown High School and Payne Business College. She also attended Shaw University.
Later she received her real estate license and attended Prudent Training Center where she received CNA (certified nursing assistant).
She confessed Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Diamond Grove Baptist Church, where she served as choir director.
On Dec. 20, 1947, she married the late Archer Ulysses Hargrave and to this union of 58 years, one son, Randolph Ulysses Hargrave, was born.
After moving to Portsmouth in 1964, the Hargrave family became members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
She worked closely with the Beautification Ministry sharing her floral talents by decorating the church on each special occasion.
She was a member of the J.E. Mack Sunday School Bible Study class and served as assistant secretary in the business office.
She remained a faithful member and staunch supporter of her church until her physical end. Known for her “Energizer Bunny” energy, many talents, skills and quick wit, she was dependable, committed and generous. She did not mind working hard or spending time to help others. Her kindheartedness and warm smile will be missed.
She retired after 30 years, 10 days and two hours from The Department of Navy, Navy Material Transportation Office, Naval Supply Center, Norfolk, receiving many certificates and awards.
A longtime interest in flowers and plants led her to open Hargrave’s Florist and Religious Supply in 1985. Nannie B. believed you could purchase flowers in lots of places, however at Hargrave’s Florist, beside flowers, you found a smile, proper packaging, personal delivery and professionalism.
Survivors include her son, Randolph Ulysses Hargrave (Raynell) of Portsmouth; granddaughter, Kenesha Yolanda Hargrave of Lusby, Md.; grandson, Michael Anthony Ulysses Hargrave of Portsmouth; three sisters, Rosalind Britt of New York, Estella Worrell of Hampton, Henrietta Barham (Leslie) of Franklin; two brothers, Ernest Lee Banks (Ruth) of Franklin and Samuel Banks (Hazel) of Franklin; one sister-law, Laura Griffin Banks of Suffolk; nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, business associates, many friends and customers of Hargrave’s Florist and Religious Supply.
Services will be held today at 1 p.m. in Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Pastor E.T. Knight will officiate.
Interment will be at Diamond Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Franklin.
The family will assemble at 1445 Lake Forest Drive, Portsmouth.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mount Carmel Scholarship Fund, 3310 Deep Creek Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23702.
Elvin Vaughan Funeral Services, Franklin, is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.rhargrave11@verizon.net.