Lori Ballard Gravens

Lori Ballard Gravens passed away suddenly on March 14, 2026 at the age of 46. Born in Durham, North Carolina, to Valeria Ann McCaleb Ballard and Ronald Eugene Ballard, Lori grew up in a military family that moved frequently before settling in Lebanon, Tennessee. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1997, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Cumberland University, and later received a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She devoted her career to serving others as a Nurse Practitioner.

Lori was known for her sweet and caring nature. She loved her family and friends with a fierce devotion and took great joy in being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her parents, Ron and Valeria Ballard of Lebanon; daughters Haleigh (Chandler) Crite of Castalian Springs and Olivia (Carsey West) Gravens of Hartsville; sister Christy Ballard (Trent) Russell; grandchildren Everleigh Crite, Kaison Crite, Brooks West, and Brynlee West; aunt Sandra Hamilton of Johnson City; uncle Edgar (Linda) McCaleb of Crossville; uncle Jack McCaleb of Lebanon; aunt Teri Martin of Georgia; and aunt Eva Cangemi of Florida. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Odell and Roberta McCaleb, Carrol Ballard, Lorraine Blankenship, and her special uncle Johnny Hamilton.