Obituary - Lesley Maud (Greaves) Oakes
Lesley Greaves Oakes, age 101, of Columbus, NC, passed away on Friday, July
19, 2019, at Tryon Estates.
Lesley graduated from Marywood University, and also studied flute for one
year at Juilliard School with Georges Barrere. She played in many chamber
groups and orchestras in New Jersey and New York. She taught and later
became principal for two years at the Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood,
NJ.
Lesley and Mervin moved to Tryon in 1978 and were very active in music. They
hosted numerous music activities at their home. Lesley also taught flute at
Converse College in the pre-college division. She was the founder of The
Foothills Music Club which is still very active in the community today.
Lesley was a member of The Melrose Trio, which consisted of flute, piano,
and cello. The trio performed in the local community and Spartanburg.
Survived by two sons, James Oakes (Dorothy), Donald Oakes (Kathy); three
grandchildren, Christopher Oakes (Belis), Lesley O'Keefe (Steve), Carrie
Crawford (John); and five great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Howard John Greaves and Maud Isabel
Sinclair Swanson; husband, Mervin E. Oakes; daughter, Nancy R. Oakes.
Contributions could be made in her memory to Hospice of the Carolina
Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or the Foothills Music Club, PO
Box 463, Lynn, NC 28750.
Petty Funeral Home
Landrum, SC