05/11/2026
Bishop Gravely played key roles in the local history of nursing, nursing education and churches and religious guidance.
If you’re reading this, it means that I have joyously and triumphantly moved from being a terrestrial to that of becoming a celestial being. I am hailed on earth and instantaneously inhaled as I took up my residence in my new environment. As you view my earthly body, please keep in mind that you are looking at who I was and not who I have become. I have now joined that great caravan of angelic host and taken my rightful place in Heaven. And so, rejoice and be exceedingly glad for me because I’m singing a new song: “I’ve been redeemed, I’ve been redeemed.” I made a promise to the Lord longer than I can remember that I would serve him because of his mercy that He extended to me and only He truthfully knows that I have kept my promise. To all my family and friends who truly loved me, I bid thee farewell.
It is not necessary to know my heritage, but for those of you that need to know my mom is the late Margaret Virginia Hall Gravely Kellam, my dad is the late Joe Nathan Gravely, Sr. My sister is the late Thenia Mills.
And those I have temporarily left behind: my wife, Shirl; my children, Karen (George) and Kevin (Kelli); my stepsons, Lamont (LaToya) and Chris; my granddaughters, Mercedes (Maxwell), Jasmyn (Keylan), Kayla, Kendall, and Marilyn; my step granddaughters, Victoria and Chloe; my most special God-given step grandchildren, Jaylee and Jaiden; my great granddaughters, Journee and Ryleigh; my godchildren, Zoe and David, Jr; my siblings, Leon, Jerry, Joanne, Michael, and Tyrell; and my nieces and nephews.
I have been blessed during my time. God has allowed me to have a Masters in Science from Radford University, a Bachelors in Science from Averitt University, and an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Patrick Henry Community College. I have been blessed to write and publish numerous articles and booklets of which my latest was written for Wright’s Funeral Service entitled “Sara’s Star.” My past articles include Spirituality: The Forgotten Aspect, The Art of Becoming, Quality of the Work Ethic in Nursing, Infusing Spirituality into the Associate Degree Nurse Program. I contributed numerous articles to the Martinsville Bulletin “From the Pulpit.” I was employed at Patrick Henry Community College as a Nursing Professor, started the Nurse Aid Program, developed First Aid CPR classes, served on several nursing organizations, and served as a Foundation Board member for Patrick Henry Community College. I was also blessed to become the first African American male to work in that capacity. I was blessed to become the first African American male to teach nursing in Virgina. I was featured in Dr. John Bing’s book, “The Hands” and I was the first recipient of Patrick Henry Community College nursing to receive the FRIST award. My religious accomplishments include: Founding Pastor of New Jerusalem Apostle Church, Past Diocesan Bishop of World Assemblies Restoration, Former Dean of World Assemblies Restoration Bible Institute (with satellite schools in Baltimore MD, Philadelphia PA, and CA). I was the Minister of Protocol for World Assemblies Restoration. I was a former board member and the program chairman for Apostle Churches of Christ in God. I served my community as well. I served on the board of Safety Net. I served as chaplain for the Martinsville City Police Department. I served as the aftercare grief coordinator for Wright Funeral Service. I organized and orchestrated numerous charitable events and banquets to benefit Grace Network, Martinsville City School Pantries, and Citizens Against Family Violence.
I know that this is rather lengthy, but I wanted those of you who read this to know how God has blessed me to be of service to His people. God Bless you all!!!
The funeral will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Reach Out Apostolic Tabernacle with Bishop James Millner, eulogist and Elder Gary Copeland, presiding. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.
