Lena Oakley

Lena Inez Briggs Oakley, beautiful mother and loving grandmother of Graham, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2020.  She was born on February 4, 1937 in Person County to the late Lex Herbert Briggs, Sr. and Lera Powell Briggs of Hurdle Mills, NC.

Lena was employed with Western Electric where she was crowned “Miss Hello Charley” at the Wenoca Club’s Coronation Ball held at the Burlington Armory in 1958.  She retired from Person County Group Homes and was a member of Riverside Baptist Church.  Lena was also known as “Lele” or just “Granny”, she enjoyed spending time with her family and always looked forward to annual beach trips with her grandchildren.

During the last seven years of her life she battled Alzheimer’s with grace and courage.  As we celebrate her life and unending love for her family, 2 Timothy 4:7 reminds us of her legacy and Christian faith; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

Lena is survived by her children, Mitch Oakley (Sharon), Kim Vaughan (Dan) and Robyn Grinstead (Ronnie); grandchildren, Dustin Vaughan (Lauren) and Katelynn Crowder (Travis); great granddaughters, Lena-Rose Crowder, Violet and Annie Vaughan; a sister, Valinda “Mittie” Riley; a brother-in-law, L.D. Slaughter; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, L.H. Briggs, Jr. and Mike Briggs; and her sisters, Doris Slaughter, Nell Blaylock, Hazel Day and Ruth Smith.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm Monday, October 26, 2020 at Clement Baptist Church Cemetery, 8480 Burlington Rd., Hurdle Mills, NC 27541 by Pastor Reid Dickens.  Lena will be available for viewing from 9:00am to 12:00pm Monday at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers and to honor our frontline employees who provide compassionate care to our loved ones, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, please consider a contribution in her memory to the Twin Lakes Community, Attn:  Employee Assistance Fund, 3815 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215.  Lena’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the entire staff for the care and friendship they shared during her residency at Twin Lakes Community.