Mary Edwina Keyes Gaddy died peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 30th. Born in Bedford County on February 26, 1929, to Aubrey Carol Keyes & Margaret Ellis Rucker Keyes. The youngest of eight, always the beloved baby to her siblings, Margaret Ellis Wright, Edwin Carol Keyes, Robert Leslie Keyes, Elizabeth L. Henson, Lucy Rucker Childress, Myrtle Epps Baldock and Aubrey Shelton Keyes "Uncle Bud".
Mary was married twice & had 3 children whom she adored. Her first husband, the late Harry W. Horton with whom she had a daughter, Brenda Horton Bryant (J.Pat) Her second marriage to Billy R. Gaddy, the love of her life, lasted until his death in 2014 gave her two sons, Gary W. Gaddy (Terri) and Terry E. Gaddy (Brooke) . She also leaves behind her precious grandchildren, Evan P. Bryant (Allison) & family, Travis R. Gaddy (Stacie) & family and Tyler Gaddy & family, Aubrie Gaddy and Alden Will Gaddy and a number of nieces and nephews, including Nancy Mitchell, Linda Cabassa and Julia Duke. She is also survived by lifelong friends, Pat Mueller and Robbin Wyatt-Ford, the daughter of her best friend, Weeza Stinnett.
Growing up in the depression era was a lesson in frugality and taught our mother how to appreciate things that were important to her and to cherish relationships with family and friends. Mama & Billy's home was always open and welcoming. Every Christmas, she would have "just a little something" for her extended family and friends who would drop by to celebrate the holiday. She was the matriarch whose house was where all family, friends & neighborhood kids loved to gather. It was spoken that Mama was so kind and loving that you always felt that that was where you were supposed to be and there was no better place to be on earth than with Aunt Mary and Uncle Billy.
Our mother led a full life and enjoyed many things: She loved singing in the choir & could sing alto as well as soprano. She & Billy were longtime members of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Rucker reunions, New London Academy reunions where she connected with new family members and reconnected with old classmates were things she looked forward to. She & Billy took many cruises & formed lasting relationships with people they met. Camping & fishing in Bath County was a highlight for many years.
When all three of us were in school, Mama went to work for the News and Advance where she stayed until her retirement. Her love of people and outgoing personality helped her excel in her position as classified ad manager. It was the perfect job and she loved working for the Glass family. After she & Billy both retired, they started making & selling "Uncle Billy's Steak Sauce, where they traveled extensively throughout the state, stocking stores & restaurants. Billy made the sauce and mama handled the marketing. It was a match made in heaven.
Her passing leaves a void not only for her children & grandchildren but to the many people throughout the community whom her life impacted.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private graveside service will be conducted Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Virginia Memorial Park with The Rev. Dr. Nancy Dawson officiating.
Friends may pay their respects and sign the register Friday, January 1, 2021 from Noon till 6 pm at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org or to your local humane society.
