Marie Jamerson Handy

Marie Jamerson Handy, born March 9th, 1937, lived a life of service to others. A natural redhead, Marie embodied class and moxie. Marie attended Fieldale High School, later graduated from Weaver Airline School, then worked a variety of different jobs before beginning to work at Virginia National Bank (currently Nations Bank). At Virginia National Bank, Marie rose to the position of Bank Manager during an era where men dominated the banking industry. Marie was tiny in stature but filled with passion for the things that were important to her—her family, her friends, and her church. Her spare time was devoted to spending time with her dear friends and being the Matriarch of her family. Marie always welcomed people into her home, always remembered the important details, and frequently reveled in her mischievous streak. Marie served on the Stone Memorial Christian Church Board as well as the Salvation Army Board, served as a former member of the Chamber of Commerce, often brought meals to the homebound, visited the ill, prayed for others, and sent heartfelt cards for every occasion. Marie also faithfully supported Wounded Warriors, Boys and Girls Club, Johnson University First Generation College Student Fund, Easter Seals, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Marie spent a great deal of time tending to her family cemetery, located at Stone Memorial Christian Church, and created the Jamerson (Jamison) Family Cemetery Fund to preserve the cemetery and honor her family’s legacy. She steadfastly advocated for what she believed in, often shown through her involvement in Conservative politics, including a tenure as the President of the Martinsville and Henry County Area Republican Women’s Club. Marie passed away on February 18th, 2021 in Sevierville Tennessee, with her daughter, son-in-law, and beloved poodle, Stryker, by her side. As she came closer to the end, she called out, comforted by the sight of the love of her life, her husband, Grayson Handy who preceded her in death in 1988. Marie held faithfully to her vows, deeply loving Grayson until death and beyond. Even in the wake of their grief, the family finds great comfort in knowing Marie and Grayson are reunited on the other side of glory. Marie is also preceded in death by her parents, George and Madie Jamerson, and her sisters Evelyn Morris Marshall Smith and Virginia Jamerson. As well as her dear niece and nephews, Terri Melson, Joey Gunn, and John “Pete” Morris. Marie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kelly Handy Estes and Jerry Estes (Sevierville, Tennessee), her son Grayson Scott Handy (Manhattan, New York), granddaughters Jordan Estes (San Carlos, California) and Jamerson McKenna Estes (Sevierville, Tennessee). Marie unwaveringly believed in her faith in Jesus Christ and believed that death is not final, but rather the beginning of eternal life with the Heavenly Father in Heaven. Therefore, although her earthly presence will be missed by many long after her death, we may rejoice in knowing that death is not goodbye and live in a way that honors her memory until we are reunited. Viewing will be held on March 1st, 2021 from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm, followed by the funeral from 1:00-2:00 pm. Both will be at Stone Memorial Christian Church. Graveside will follow at 2:00 pm at Roselawn Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, restrictions and masks will be mandatory to protect immunocompromised relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jamerson Family Cemetery Fund and Johnson University First Generation College Student Fund/Scholarship (information below). Jamerson (Jamison) Family Cemetery Fund Please make checks payable to the Jamison Family Cemetery Fund and Mail to: Cindy Montrief 915 Vine Street Martinsville, VA 24112 Johnson University First Generation College Student Fund/Scholarship In Memory of Marie Handy Checks should be made payable to Johnson University and sent to Advancement Office 7900 Johnson Dr., Knoxville TN 37998 Contributions can also be made online at www.JohnsonU.edu/dontate with a memorial designation. The service will also be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. It will also be recorded for future viewing. https://www.facebook.com/StoneMemorialChristianChurch. Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Drive, Bassett, VA is proudly serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.mckeestonefuneralhomebassett.com.