Mary DeRyder Whitehouse

Mary grew up in Hampton, Virginia, and attended the newly opened Kecoughtan High School in the early 1960s. After completing secretarial school, she discovered her passion for floral design at Tyree’s Buckroe Florist, where she found joy in bringing beauty and color to others' lives. This love led her to open Willow Oaks Florist in the late 1970s, followed by Bert’s Flower Shop, which she owned and operated from the 1980s until the early 2020s.

Mary was known for her sharp wit, fierce spirit, and unwavering honesty. She expressed her love through acts of kindness, always putting others before herself. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she created a lifetime of cherished memories with those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Evelyn Becker, Barbara Spankowski, and Gerry Mingee, as well as her brother Leonard “Buddy” DeRyder Jr. and his wife, Dariene.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby V. Whitehouse Sr.; her sons Bobby Jr. (Charlotte) and David (Susan); her grandchildren, Bobby Tyler (Joanne) and Olivia; her great-grandson, T.J.; her brother, Joseph DeRyder (Carolyn); and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—caring for her loved ones, traveling, cooking, reading, and tending to her yard. A lifelong Elvis Presley superfan, Mary’s love for "The King" never faded. Even as she battled dementia from 2020 onward, she never lost her playfulness, the mischievous twinkle in her eye, or her habit of reminding those around her how much she loved them.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU team, doctors, nurses, and staff at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton for their grace and kindness during this difficult time.

Mary’s warmth, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A public visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A celebration of life graveside service will occur Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, Virginia. 23666.