Rachel Grasty Saxton, age 24, of Appomattox, Virginia, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019.   Rachel was born on August 9, 1994. She is survived by her mother, Dr. Dorinda Grasty and her step-father, Guy Hargrave of Appomattox and her father, H. Thomas Saxton III of Lynchburg. She is also survived by her grandmother, Barbara Grasty of Orange. Rachel was predeceased by her grandfathers, John H. Grasty and Harry T. Saxton, Jr. and grandmother Carlene S. Saxton.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her brother, John Saxton of Eustis, FL and her sister, Erin Saxton of Washington, D.C.; and her step-brothers and sisters, whom she loved as her own family, Beverly Murtiff (Zach), Lucille Switzer (Johnny), Rose Hargrave, David Bailey (April), Daniel Bailey (Michelle), Damien Bailey (Amanda), and Jennifer Garnett (Nathaniel). Rachel also had a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved seeing.

Rachel endured a nearly four year courageous and ferocious battle with brain cancer. Through four surgeries, radiation treatments, and many rounds of chemotherapy, she rarely complained. Her heart was set on conquering the disease.

During her cancer battle, she wanted to squeeze in as much life as possible. Rachel traveled with her mother and siblings to Ireland, Greece, Mexico, and The Dominican Republic. She also fell in love and spent many happy times with family and friends.

Rachel was a graduate of Appomattox County High School and James Madison University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She worked at Amherst County Social Services as a Foster Care Social Worker until cancer returned again. She was a member of Appomattox Courthouse Presbyterian Church.

Rachel loved going to the beach, floating down the James River, sailing, holding babies, and traveling to new places. She had a sassy, vivacious spirit that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Her family wishes to thank Dr. David Schiff, his team at UVA, Gentle Shepherd Hospice , and Acti-Kare Home Care for their loving care to Rachel.

A family visitation will be held at Robinson Funeral Home in Appomattox on Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and other times at the residence of her mother.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

Those wishing to make a memorial in Rachel's name are asked to do so to the American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org or the Make A Wish Foundation at america.wish.org .