Elkin lost a dear friend in the passing of Grace Laffoon on Friday, February 24, 2012. She was born in Elkin on August 30, 1926 to Harvey F. Laffoon and Lillian Edmisten Laffoon. After graduating from Elkin High School in 1943 and Greensboro College in 1947, she worked as Women's Editor for the Elkin Tribune until her father sold the newspaper in May 1968. She served as president of the North Carolina Press Women in 1957- 1958 and was secretary of the non-daily division of the North Carolina Press Association until 1968. In 1971, Grace helped co-manage the Brinegar Cabin seasonal craft shop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and continued in that role until the mid 1980's. She was past president of the Yadkin Valley Garden Club, the Elkin Women's Club, and the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She worked as Director of Volunteer Services at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital from 1988 until 1997 and helped published the Communiqué newsletter. Grace wrote a portion of the Elkin 1889-1989 A Centennial History. She was named Beta Sigma Phi Sorority's Lady of the Year in 1982. An active member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkin, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for children, and was a women's circle leader. Grace loved all types of needlework including knitting and cross-stitching. She cherished her hometown and poured her life into making it a better place. She is survived by a sister, Louise Walker and brother-in-law, Dr. Frank Walker of Winston-Salem and a host of friends in the Elkin community. A graveside service will be conducted Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Hollywood Cemetery in Elkin with Rev. Mark L. Barden officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at First United Methodist Church of Elkin. The family would like to thank the staff of Parkwood Place and Hugh Chatham Nursing Center for the care given to Grace in these last several years.
