Forever In Our Hearts
LAURIE DRAVES
Remembering Laurie
Laurie Draves. A name that holds so much meaning. Team Leader, advocate, Mother, Grandmother, friend, and mentor; she was an incredible leader whose heart was as vast as her wisdom, and whose compassion knew no bounds. For over 15 years, Laurie dedicated herself to CNS, tirelessly supporting our community and her colleagues. She never ran out of room in her heart for the most vulnerable among us.
In upper East Tennessee, the name Laurie Draves is synonymous with dedication and excellence. Laurie's list of accomplishments and accolades is extensive, but it's her spirit and the impact she had on all of us that truly stand out. She had a unique magic in every conversation, a wisdom that seemed almost otherworldly. Under her guidance, stagnation was impossible. If you ever felt you had reached your peak, Laurie would be there to push you to new heights.
Our team has always been more than just colleagues; we were a family, and Laurie was the head of it. She carried us through not just every challenge and crisis at work, but also personal hardships with unwavering strength and grace. Her influence was so strong that she truly became like a second mother to many of us.
As we continue to move forward, we strive to embody the strength and grace Laurie showed us every day. By honoring her legacy, we hope to reflect the commitment and compassion she exemplified in all aspects of her life. Laurie brought out the best in everyone she met, and it is now our turn to carry her legacy forward. Let us continue to support each other with the same dedication and heart that Laurie showed every day.
This page is dedicated to remembering Laurie and her remarkable contributions. Here, you can share memories, stories, and successes, say anything you wish you could say to her, and read what others have to say. Let us carry on her spirit by celebrating her life and the positive impact she had on all of us.
Hey Laurie. Thinking about you pretty hard today. Every time that I need someone, you're the only one that I want to pick up the phone and call. I'd give anything to have you on the other end.
I think of you always, dear friend. I’m so sorry for friends and family. Sending my thoughts and prayers for healing.
This woman… it’s hard to find the right words to describe the person that LAURIE was. Laurie would have thrown herself in front of a train if she knew it would save someone else. Laurie would give you the shirt off of her back, her last dollar, and food right out of her pantry if you needed it…. This was SO LONG ago, but Laurie found out about my domestic violence situation where my exboyfriend really hurt me. When he started driving through the neighborhood to intimidate me, Laurie stayed ON IT. She’d drive by herself, kept police on speed dial, called others to check on me when she couldn’t so I could sleep… and wouldn’t stop until the full restraining order was granted. A true mama bear for everyone. It TRULY didn’t matter who you were. Thank you for everything Laurie.
What a woman, what a fighter, what a friend. She changed so many lives. She will be missed terribly.
Laurie was a lifetime full of knowledge and would help and share and teach with each contact with her. A person of honor and always putting people served first. People like Laurie come alone once in a lifetime and if you are lucky enough to know her and share her giving soul you were very fortunate. I count my blessing I was that fortunate. She will be missed greatly!
Words called in from person supported, “Laurie was the nicest woman anyone could know. She was like everyone’s grandmother. You would think she had 200 grandkids with the way she loved everybody. It hurts, but I will always remember her.”
I just found out about Laurie. She was a terrific advocate and taught me much of what I know. Prayers for her family at home and her work family
Laurie helped me with my son who is not on any waiver and we never had any help. In doing so Laurie put food on our table thru social security benefits for both of us and helped apply for food stamps and even got him medicare and got tenncare to pay for it. She changed our lives she was an angel walking on this earth with us
Laurie was one of those people that we all strive to be like. She loved her people with all her heart and she would go toe to toe with anyone who wasn't there for them. Anytime I had a question about a person from Greenville she always would help me out. But she also would first let me know all the good things about that person and remind me why supporting some one who can't necessarily support themselves, was just as much for them as it is for us. I hope one day to be half the person Laurie was I know there is no one out there who will fill her shoes she was one of a kind.
Laurie was my favorite person in the world. Laurie, led with her heart. I hope to honor her every day by being the best person I can be and to help those I can. I was able to learn so much from her and she helped to shape me as the person I am. I only wish I had more time with her but there is never enough time when you lose someone you love. Goodbye Laurie I will forever think of you and miss you and your stories.