Mary Kathleen Bell Handy, 90, of Dublin, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 surrounded by her family.
She is predeceased by her parents, Claude and Mattie Bell; her husband of 48 years, Howard L. Handy; brothers, James Bell, Glenn Bell and Lewis Bell, and sister, Nellie Sexton.
Mrs. Handy is survived by her adoring children, Ruth Claudiene Lawton and husband, Sonny Lawton of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Betty Thomas and husband, Bob Thomas, of Dublin, Joyce Morris and husband, Paul Morris, of Radford, Harold Handy and wife, Evelyn Handy, of Dublin; grandchildren, Skip Lawton and his wife, Sherrie, of Christiansburg, Rena Wilson and husband, Brad Wilson, of Pulaski, Pam Palmer and husband, Richard Palmer, of Dublin, Karen Boone and husband, James Boone, of Christiansburg, Barry Morris of Radford, and Barbie Shedd and her husband, Eric Shedd, of Hubert, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Caleb Wilson, Courtney Wilson, Joshua Palmer, Lauren Palmer, Zoe Lawton, Jordan Boone, Nathan Boone, Abby Shedd, Austin Shedd, Allison Brown, Kimmy McDonald and Heather Hadrick; sisters-in-law, Lucy Bell of Rural Retreat, Ann Bell of Atkins and Elizabeth Wills of Dublin; nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Handy, “Mamaw” as her loving family refers to her, has passionately cared for many children throughout her lifetime. After the passing of her father, she began, at the young age of nine, caring for her brothers and sister. She and her husband, Howard raised four of their own children, as well as nieces and nephews. Grandchildren came into the family, all living close, allowing them to grow up blessed with their loving care.
The children gathered daily to play and let their grandparents be an important part of their lives. Mamaw and Papaw took care of Mary’s mother for many years in their own home. Mr. Handy, “Papaw,” was called to heaven in 1986, a few years prior to the birth of their first great-grandchild. However, Mamaw was thrilled to care for great-grandchildren as well, continuing through 2009 when the teenagers rode the school bus to her house.
Mamaw has been a true blessing to all who knew her. Being touched by such a special person will leave lasting memories.
The family extends sincere thanks for the kindness and care provided by Good Samaritan Hospice. Mrs. Handy was able to stay at home under the loving care of her family and Missy Graham.
Services will be held Monday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m., in the Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski, with the Rev. Jim Linkous officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin.
Visitation will be held Monday, from 11 a.m. until the time of service. To send online messages to the family, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com.
Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski, is handling arrangements for the Handy family.
Most Commented