Mary Virginia Verell Whitehouse, 92, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2013 in her home after an extended illness. She will be remembered as a loving, kind and devoted wife, mother, grand-mother, great-grandmother and friend. Mary was born December 22, 1920 in Hilton Village and has been a life-long resident of Hampton, VA.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents William and Mable Verell; her brothers Billy, Marvin, Floyd and Wesley Verell; and her sisters Mabel Lowe and Betty Wilson.

Mary leaves behind many cherished memories with her surviving family. The family includes her beloved husband of 72 years Lewis Whitehouse, her 3 children Geraldine Forrest and her husband Tim of Kernersville, NC; Gaynelle Poro and her husband Rick of Gloucester, VA; and Clifford Whitehouse and his wife Debrah of Quinton, VA. 8 Grand-children, Darrin O'Beirne, Michael Jackson, Jeffrey Jackson, Robin White, Leah Block, Mary Hope Whitehouse, Hannah Kehrer and Louisa Whitehouse. 12 Great-Grandchildren, Madeline O'Beirne, Anna O'Beirne, Alexis Jackson, Brady Jackson, Connor Jackson, Juliana Jackson, Logan White, Jordan White, Riley White, Belle Block, Joel Block and Genevieve Block and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary loved entertaining, providing for and serving her family and friends. Mary's home was always a center of activity with her right in the middle of it. She was involved in local area activities and was a tireless worker in the Peninsula Civic Opera. She was also known as an expert marksman at the Lafayette Gun Club which she and her husband frequented regularly for many years. She also taught her children how to shoot a basketball, swim, tap dance and catch crabs from the creek in front of her house.

Mary cherished the time spent with her family and friends including the many large family holiday dinners she was so adept at preparing. Her fruit cake is an annual family tradition which will be carried on by her children.

Mary was a long time member of St. John's Church in Hampton where she sang in the choir for about 20 years. She also sang frequently with the Peninsula Civic Opera and made costumes for the opera and the Madrigal Singers of Old Dominion University. Mary lived a long happy and fulfilled life and will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

There will be a celebration of her life 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 19, 2013 at St. John's Episcopal Church 100, West Queen St, Downtown Hampton.

Flowers may be sent directly to St. John's Episcopal Church or memorials may be mailed to St. John's Episcopal Church 100 W. Queen St, Hampton, VA 23669, or sent to a favorite charity.