Margaret Elmore Tolly

Margaret Elmore Tolly, 84, passed on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ms. Tolly was born in Rutherford County, NC but spent most of her adult life in Newport News, VA where she raised her family and worked for more than 43 years in Human Resources at Sears Roebuck. She spent her later years in Suffolk, VA where she was a caregiver for her husband and loving grandmother to her grandchildren. She was member of Oakland Christian Church in Chuckatuck. She was the daughter of the late Charles Hiriam and Lois Carpenter Elmore and wife of the late Joseph Vincent Tolly. She was predeceased by her sister, Kaye E. Thornton and brother Doug C. Elmore. She was a strong, spirited, independent woman who loved her family fiercely and had boundless energy. She enjoyed spending time with friends with the Sears “Lunch Bunch” and her Bridge Club. She was a nature lover, baker, and amateur photographer. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth T. Shearin (Graham) of Windsor and Julia C. Tolly of Virginia Beach. She was a proud “Grannie” to her grandchildren, Emma K. Shearin and Alex C. Shearin and all their friends. She was sister to Larry Elmore (Peggy) of Charlotte, NC and sister-in-law Shirley Gunnels (Terry) of Newport News in addition to many loving nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, April 26th at 2pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA. A special thank you to Jennifer MacCracken, Brenda Owens, Cris Hicks, Teresita Rodriguez, Kelly Gonzalez, Lauren Leach, Haley Umphlett, favorite nurse “Boss Lady” Valerie Roby, NP Michelle Mobley and the staff of Our Lady of Perpetual Help who lovingly cared for her the last several years.