Obituaries » Mary Louise Houseman
Mary Louise Houseman
Mary Louise (Dyson) Houseman, 77, of Lynchburg, VA passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 1, 2023, at her residence. Mary was born on January 14, 1946, in Hermanville, MD to the late Mary Lillian (Washington) Dyson and John William Dyson. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 31, 1959, and was a member of the West Lynchburg, VA Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses since moving to Lynchburg in 2019. Previously, Mary was a member of the Christiansburg, VA congregation for 45 years and her hometown congregation was in Lexington Park, MD. Mary retired from Stellar One Bank in Christiansburg, formerly known as First National Bank of Christiansburg (FNB), where she worked for 35 years. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilson & Mary “Mamie” Washington, and Joseph & Ann Dyson; along with her siblings, Mamie Rebecca Dyson and Joseph Edward “Popeye” Dyson.
Mary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Houseman; her daughter, Rachel Wheaton and husband, Joseph; granddaughters, Jasmine, Ivy and Aeris Wheaton; her sister, Margaret (Dyson) White; brothers-in-law, Michael Houseman (Lori) and Nicholas Houseman (Debbie); sister-in-law, Marybeth Richards (Tom) and Jessica Houseman; and a host of loving and cherished relatives including an aunt and uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews; and many spiritual brothers and sisters in the faith and friends.
Mary always had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye. She loved her family, her friends, her flowers, and especially sharing her love for the Bible, Jesus Christ, God’s Kingdom and above all, her love for our wonderful God, Jehovah. Throughout her life, Mary devoted countless hours in the door-to-door ministry to teach others about God’s promises from the Bible so that they could have the same comfort, hope and knowledge that she received from the Scriptures. She was a devoted and hard-working wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Mary never knew a stranger and had a kind heart, a giving and generous spirit to anyone in need, and gave everything that she had to help her family and friends. She always said, “Let me do what I can now, because one day when I can’t, you’ll know that I did all I could.” Mary taught her family to work first, play later and never stop until the job was done. Her kindness, faithfulness, generosity, and zest for life lives on in everyone who knew her.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 319 Wiggington Rd., Lynchburg, VA. A visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
Condolences & Tributes
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Dear Tom and family, though we have known you for many years we couldn't have gotten enough time to be together. I wish we could have it otherwise. You and Mary have been a delight. Mary, for her steadfastness in the truth, and you Tom for your faithfully taking every responsibility with zest and having a true spirit of loving care for your family. I love you and your family. I pray that Jehovah grants all you ask of him. May Jehovah continue to be your rock. Love to you from Michael and Rochelle Cooper
Posted by Mike Cooper on March 10, 2023
to.tom.rachel and all of the family's I want to express my condolences for my cousin Mary Mary was sweet kind always with a beautiful smile she always had the twinkle in her eyes she'll be miss from your cousin Barbara mcnary and the hold family's love you.
Posted by Barbara mcnary on March 10, 2023
Tom, Rachel and the rest of the family, I want to express my condolence for your loss. Mary was the epitome of kindness, and a real sweet cousin. She always put her God Jehovah first place in her life. I know Jehovah will remember her and bring her back soon to all of us that love her so dearly. May you find comfort in Isaiah 26:19. Evelyn Dyson
Posted by Evelyn Dyson on March 7, 2023
Dear Tom, Rachel and family, we are heartbroken! We extend our love and comfort during this trying time. It has been awhile since we visited with the family, but know the twinkle in cousin Mary's eyes and her gentle smile will stay in our memory until we see her again in paradise. We love you all and pray you have a measure of peace and comfort from our God, Jehovah. As said in one discourse, Mary is on the fast track to paradise. Jehovah remembers her service and deep, deep love for him. We shall see you all this weekend.
Posted by Gerry & Linda Dyson on March 6, 2023
What a lovely tribute for a lovely lady! She really did have a twinkle in her eye!! We look ahead to a world that is new; a world that will include your beautiful Mary in it! There is no doubt that Jehovah misses her prayers and worship after so many years of expressing her faith! Love and condolences to you all.
Posted by Tina, Kentucky on March 5, 2023
It has been many years since I have seen and talk to Mary, however I do have many wonderful memories of going to the book study and the ministry at her family home in Carver Heights, MD. May Jehovah be with the family. I look forward in seeing Mary in the Resurrection. Ellis Dyson (Cousin)
Posted by Ellis & Deborah Dyson on March 4, 2023
Can't wait to meet this beautiful sister in the Paradise God has promised! What a beautiful obituary!!!
Posted by Billy Walton on March 4, 2023
Sincere condolences to the family.
Posted by Jacqueline Dyson on March 4, 2023
May 2 Cor. 1:3,4 bring you comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Gravley and Toliver family.
Posted by Stephanie G Toliver on March 4, 2023
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