Wanna Mae Hamler Royal

Wanna Mae Hamler Royal

October 27th, 1948- February 10th,2021

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides”

Celebrated for warm and compassionate caring and giving, Mrs. Wanna Royal, our treasured Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, sister, aunt, comrade and friend, transitioned to her heavenly home at her residence on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Her transition, following a lengthy illness, was supported by a loving family and marked by peace and comfort.

Affectionately known as “Mae Mae,” Wanna was distinguished for her many close friendships, cultivated over many years; her special love and care for family; her gracious giving to all; her warm smile and caring touch, and her desire to do God’s will. As a proud graduate of Campbell County High School, Wanna maintained special relationships with many classmates through the years despite any separation by distance.

Distinguished by her warm smile, gentle demeanor and dry wit, Wanna was a quiet and low-keyed person, who could be a ball of fire when pushed to her limits. A gentle, refined and proud lady, she opened her heart to all. Appreciated for her unconditional love and for loving no matter what, she always showed love in ways that made people feel valued and cherished. Her special love of family was reflected in so many ways, including the family Sunday dinners, and other established family activities. With one special friend for many years, she was also known to spend a portion of each day conversing via telephone on the events of the day.

Following many years of distinguished service with the Wells Fargo Bank and Beacon Credit Union, she retired to a leisurely life of fun with family and friends.

Wanna had a very special life that offered her treasured memories and valued experiences. She shared much and enjoyed immensely her years of service to mankind.  As a devote member of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, she served for years as Financial Secretary and member of the usher ministry. She was especially recognized and appreciated for her yearly leadership of the Vacation Bible School Program. This program gained recognition based on the success of coordinating local churches and staff, and attracting a wide range of participants and support personnel throughout the community.

In addition to her spiritual contributions, with her warm and vibrant personality, she was the consummate lover of a wide range of music including Kenny G, The Rance Allen Group, and Barbara Streisand.

Born in Campbell County, to the late Henry and Ida Hamler, Wanna Mae leaves us with a legacy of love, compassion and caring. We have been richly blessed by our relationships with her; we have found great joy in the years of yesterday, and we will forever cherish our time with her. At the end of a full and valued life, God has smiled from His Golden Throne and welcomed her home. She leaves treasured memories to a special circle of family that include her husband of 50 years, Russell Royal;. daughter Rochelle Spinner (Richard); Three Grandsons Geoffrey Royal (Tiersha), Kristofer Spinner, and Jaylen Spinner; Two Great Grand Children Tiana Royal and Geofferson Royal; Brothers Henry Hamler, Jr. (Cassandra) and Ronald Hamler; sisters and brother in laws, nieces, nephews, special cousins special caretakers, and a community of many other loving relatives and friends.

God strengthened her; He soothed her; wrapped her in His infinite love and showered her with blessings too numerous to count, and too magnificent to describe. She was loved, admired and continually gave to others. During years of a progressive illness, Wanna always expressed appreciation for life and for the ability to share with all the joys of a happy, full and beautiful life.

We are grateful for her life

and we know that tomorrows will start without her.

Yet, because of her absolute love of life and unselfish giving,

every time we think of her,

we know that she is right here in our lives and

will forever live in the hearts of all of us.



The celebration of her legacy will be on Saturday February 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and Service of comfort by Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. The family will receive friends Friday, February 19, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Those who wish to make special gifts in her memory may do so by donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.