Angelia's Story
She's a "Norfolk Girl!"
Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, with a father who was a pastor and a mother who was a school teacher & missionary, Angelia (pronounced Angela) was raised with values grounded in faith and service to others. Angelia's work in public service spans over more than two decades. She is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy and Booker T. Washington High School. She holds an Associate of Science degree from Tidewater Community College in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing, from Old Dominion University. Angelia is also a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. She is the Principal Broker and Owner of Homes by Angelia Realty & Property Management Company, a small real estate firm located in Norfolk, VA.
Angelia began her work in public service as an employee for the City of Norfolk in 2001. She was later appointed to the Norfolk Public Libraries Board of Trustees, and in 2010, she was elected to Norfolk's City Council in a special election. Angelia served on the council until 2021, during which time she was appointed as Vice-Mayor of the City from 2014 to 2016. In 2021, she was elected to the Virginia General Assembly’s House of Delegates, representing the 90th district. Angelia continues her service to the citizens of Virginia by being elected to the Virginia Senate to represent the 21st Senatorial District in 2023.
A Voice for the Citizens of Norfolk
Because Norfolk is her hometown, Angelia knows what this city is capable of when it’s thriving: It gave her a high quality education and it’s where she and her husband, Tommy, were able to build and grow their small businesses and give back to their community.
But Angelia also knows our city faces real problems. Too many Virginians are working hard but still can’t make ends meet. Too many of our children are falling behind in classrooms and teachers left without support. Too many families don’t feel safe in their own community, and youth are falling victim to gun violence.
Angelia is prepared to do what she has always done: provide long term solutions to the issues that impact us most.
As for her personal life, Angelia is married to Tommy Graves III (commonly referred to as "Mr. Husband" on her social media), the owner of Graves Funeral Home located in Norfolk. She has two wonderful bonus sons and is what some like to call a “Glamma”. As a member of Grove Baptist Church located in Portsmouth, VA, she serves on the Altar Ministry. Angelia has been honored by several historically African American organizations for her profound community service, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and in 2023 she was named Legislator of the Year by the Hampton Roads Bar Association.
