Mary Whitley Haycox

1927 - 2025

Mary Whitley Christian Haycox, 98, passed away on September 7, 2025, at her home of 71 years, which she called "a little piece of heaven." She was the daughter of Charles Lynch Christian and Jessie Marie Darden of Lynchburg, VA.

Mary Whit attended St. Catherine's School in Richmond before returning to Lynchburg and graduating from E.C. Glass High School. She attended Mount Vernon Seminary & College and graduated with a degree in Art History.

Eager for independence, Mary Whit honed her professional skills while taking classes at the local business college and joined the Junior League to pursue training as an art museum docent. She focused her volunteer time at the Florence Crittenton mission home.

While staying at her grandparents' Virginia Beach cottage, Mary Whit met William Cromwell Haycox. She and Billy shared a deep love of horses and enjoyed showing and foxhunting. They were married on June 12, 1951, and settled in Virginia Beach, where they raised three children. Mary Whit never lost her love for horses and rode her last horse, Rainbow, until she was in her 80s.

Over the decades, Mary Whit was an enthusiastic member of the Bay Colony and the Virginia Beach Garden Clubs, where she held many leadership positions over her more than 50 years of service. Of her many contributions, she was perhaps best known for consistently selling the most pansies for the VBGC Flower Sale. She was also a proud supporter of The Colonial Dames of America (Tidewater), the local symphony orchestra, and The Little Theater of Virginia Beach. She was committed to the preservation of the environment, believing in conservation, recycling, and repurposing before these important issues were generally recognized. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, where she worshiped regularly and adored singing both old and new hymns.

Mary Whit's joie de vivre was infectious, bringing smiles to the faces of all who were blessed to be in her light. She was devoted to her family and was most appreciated for her simple, heartfelt acts of kindness to the people and animals she loved.

Mary Whit had an indomitable spirit and enjoyed life to the fullest. She especially loved music and dancing. Left to treasure her inspiration are her children, Mary Haycox Johnson (Pearce), Elizabeth Dearing Haycox Wykle (Gary Wilson), William Cromwell Haycox, Jr., and her grandchildren Joshua Wyklé (Elizabeth), Jesse Wykle (Ashley), Dearing Richards, Francis Johnson ( Meredith Holmes), Miriam Haycox, Claire Wilson (Dewey), and eight great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband William Cromwell Haycox, brother Charles Lynch Christian, Jr., and son-in-law David Vance Wykle. The family will forever remember and be grateful to Mary Whit's loving caregivers.

On Saturday, September 27, at 11 am, there will be a church service held at First Presbyterian Church. 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach. A private cemetery committal will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com