Mary Ann Henry

Mary Ann Henry, 79, of Roanoke, Va., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Mrs. Henry was born the middle child of 13 children to James L. South and Bertha Cassell on December 18, 1929, in Dante, Va. Mary was married to and survived by her husband, Neilson Henry, of 57 years. She is also survived by her daughter, Marsha Layman and her husband, Allen; granddaughter, Ashton, of Roanoke, Va., and Erin Layman Yandow and her husband, Tyler, of Radford, Va.; daughter, Sue Hudgins and her husband, Dr. David Hudgins, and grandchildren, Holly and Heather, of Blacksburg, Va., and Laurel and special friend, Josh Russell, of Richmond, Va.; son, Neilson "Neil" Henry Jr. and wife, Nancy Weiss Henry, of Folly Beach, S.C.; son, Charlie Henry and wife, Kim Brizendine Henry, grandchildren, Levi and Lacy, of Troutville, Va.; sisters, Jean Caudill and family, of Waverly, Va., Betty Cipolina and family, of Richmond, Va., Kitty Neely and family, and Hazel Rich and family; brothers, Donald and David South and their families. She will also be greatly missed by Ray and Dot Wiley, her over the clothesline neighbors of over 45 years and by her closest friend; and walking buddy, Stella Troutt.
Mary grew up in Dante, Va., as a coal miner's daughter and graduated as valedictorian from Dante High School in 1948. She had a full ride scholarship to Virginia Tech, but with such a large family, had to turn it down and go to work to help out with the family.
Mary moved to Roanoke with her husband in 1963 where they raised their four children in the Burlington Heights area of North County and her green and blue station wagons were always full of the neighborhood kids. She was known throughout the Roanoke Valley especially in North County for her constant smile and effervescent personality. She never met anyone who wasn't a friend. She served her community by working for the Hollins Polling District through every election for over 20 years. She also volunteered many years at Burlington Elementary and Northside High Schools and has attended many events there over the years. She loved the beach, going shopping, going to yoga class, and walking all over her neighborhood every night. But, most of all she loved her family and she will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Simpson Funeral Home and visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009. A service celebrating her life will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2009, at Northview United Methodist Church (the round church off Plantation Road) with a small reception to follow.

"When we were young, she was the best Mom, when we were older, she was the best Mom and our best friend."