Mary Naff Layman

Mary Naff Layman, of Rocky Mount died Friday, June 17, 2011. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. John A. Naff and Rosa Flora Naff. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Cline Naff, Wesley W. Naff, Sr. and his wife Ethel, Elmer D. Naff; and her sister Eunice N. Myers and her husband Abner H. Myers. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Sheri Jane Fecher, a granddaughter, Andrea Jeanette Dodson, son-in-law, Jimmy Taylor and brother-in-law Fred Barnhart. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost 69 years, Frank B. Layman, Jr, her son Frank Benjamin (Ben) Layman, III and wife Sandra, two daughters Jeanette Wright and husband Charles, Marilee Taylor, and son-in-law Don Fecher. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren: Ray Dodson and wife, Glenda, Susan Shorter Hogan and husband, Ronnie; Michael Dodson, Alisha Shelor and husband Bill; Sarabeth Shorter; Geoffrey Taylor and wife Raquel; Lisa Roark and husband, Marcus; Mary Key and husband, Robby; Jonathan Taylor, Anne Taylor, Marissa Taylor, Malinda Layman, Frank Benjamin (Benji) Layman, IV and his wife, Alex; Cyndi Fecher, Leland Fecher and his wife, Alison. Also twelve great grandchildren: Kendall and Kara Dodson, Kyle and Kendra Ayers, Michelle Johnson, Luke Hogan, Zane Mattox, Shade and Samantha McCullough, Amanda Taylor, Madeline and Collin Key, and the expected arrival of Benji and Alex’s baby this summer. She is also survived by her sister, Lois N. Barnhart and many nieces and nephews. Mary was a graduate of Bridgewater College where she majored in public school music and English. She played on the girls basketball team and was a member of the Bridgewater Glee Club. She was a long time member of Antioch Church of the Brethren. She taught Sunday School and Bible School at Antioch and Monte Vista. After retirement she was active in local and District Women’s work. She taught school in Franklin County for 35 years and was a member of the Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority for Women Educators. Mary served as State Chaplain for a two-year term and served on the scholarship committee. Family, canning, gardening and her church were always present to enhance her life. She was known for her hospitality by sharing outstanding meals with her family and community. In their later years, Frank and Mary enjoyed traveling in their motor home throughout the U.S. Mary shared with her family that some of her greatest blessings came from her experiences in traveling to Nicaragua and in the disaster work she and Frank were able to be a part of. Many thanks to Mom’s caregivers, Kay Jensen, Anne Lynch, Jane Austin, Ruth Graham, Stephanie Boyles, Diane Cooper, and Judy Meador. Also, thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their continued support and care. Visitation will be at Flora Funeral Home, Sunday night from 6:00 to 8:00. A memorial service will be held at Antioch Church of the Brethren, 2996 Callaway Road, Rocky Mount, VA, Monday, June 20th at 11:00. Mary was a member of the Virginia Anatomical Society which means that her body will be used for medical study. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Church of the Brethren, 2996 Callaway Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.