Mary Walthall

Mary Louise Epperly Walthall, lovingly known to many as "Nanny", 97, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home of 67 years, on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Born in Montgomery County, Va., on June 28, 1928, to the late James Houston and Arlie Jane Poff Epperly, she is also preceded in death by her husband, James Richard "Dickie" Walthall; sons, Richard Wayne Walthall and Thomas Glenn Walthall; grandson, Clay Walthall; as well as siblings, Helen Amos, Marie Lawson, Carnell Epperly, Teddy Epperly, Frankie Epperly and Tony Epperly.

Mary grew up as part of a large family in Montgomery County, Virginia, and has had a strong work ethic her entire life. She went to work while in her teens at the Salem Hosiery Mill; she would work for Toms Foods and K&W Cafeteria in Salem, where she was affectionately known as "The Pie Lady", until she finally retired at the age of 83. Mary enjoyed bowling, dancing and simply spending time with her four sons and their families. She was a blessing to her family, her friends and to everyone she met - she never gave anyone reason to speak harshly of her. As she took her last breath, her son, Mike lovingly held her hand as he's done faithfully these last two years while living with and caring for her.

Those remaining to cherish Mary's memory are her sons, Gary Walthall and his wife, Teresa and Mike Walthall; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Ben Lockhart officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chance Crawford Benefit Fund, 620 Florida Ave., Salem, VA 24153.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Affinity Hospice as well as to her loving grandchildren, Katie Gray and Jamie Walthall as well as Kelly Walthall and great-grandson, Kobe Hairston, both of whom have been live in caregivers and loving companions for the past eight years, for their compassionate care and loving kindness, especially in the last days of her earthly life.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.