Mary Lavera Markham

Mary Lavera Markham, 87, of Bedford, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, from complications of Parkinson's disease. She was born October 28, 1921, the daughter of the late Wallace Leighton Mayhew and Lilly Hill Mayhew. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Hobart Francis Markham. She was preceded in death by her brother Wallace Leighton Mayhew Jr. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Nick Markham and his wife, Jewel, of Forest, Va.; her grandson, Shane and his wife, Donna, of Forest; two great-grandchildren, Coby and Jakob, of South Boston, Va.; two sisters, Ouida Witt and Minerva Johnson, both of Bedford, Va.; one brother, Ray Mayhew, of Bedford. Vera was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was very important to her and she lived life to the fullest. Vera especially enjoyed working with her husband in his business. She served many different roles at Bedford Baptist Church including choir member, Sunday School Teacher, and leadership positions in circle groups until her health prevented further participation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 650 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017. A celebration of Mary's life will be conducted at 2 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. David L. Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Longwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneral home.com.