Mary Weaver Essa

Born on June 23, 1953, Mary was the daughter of the late Hobart Ayres Weaver and the late Anna Oliver Weaver, and the stepdaughter of the late Mollie Little Nelson Weaver. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alex Essa. She is survived by her children, Jonathan Allan Essa of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jennifer Ann Essa of Richmond, Va.; her brothers, Hobart Ayres Weaver Jr. of Greensboro, N.C., and Robert Earl Weaver and his wife, Bianca, of Tampa, Fla.; and extended family and friends.

Mary cherished the private rhythms of her life, finding peace in nature, tending gardens and indoor plants, bird-watching, collecting birdhouses, playing golf and reading. An avid traveler, she loved Caribbean cruises, exploring Paris, and winning slot machine jackpots in Las Vegas. A devoted Virginia Tech Hokies fan, she made countless family road trips to football games sweeter with her fresh-baked oatmeal raisin and gingersnap cookies.

She will be deeply missed and remembered by her family as a woman who did the very best she could in a life that was not always simple.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Woody Funeral Home-Parham. The family will host a reception immediately following the service.

Flowers and indoor plants are welcome in honor of Mary's love of gardens.