Mary Juanita Saunders Tolley, 81, of Radford, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Aug. 23,1941, in Amherst County to the late Wade Hampton Saunders, Sr., and Charlotte Estelle Campbell Saunders. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Claud Tolley, Sr.; a brother and sister-in-law, Wade (Bill) Hampton Saunders, Jr., (Peggy); sister Brenda Saunders Wheeler; brother-in-law Gary Sumner; and many other close family members who have now welcomed her home.
Here to cherish her memory include her very special and loving sisters, Martha Estelle Saunders (Tommie Massie) of Amherst, Jean Saunders Sumner of Amherst, and Teresa Saunders O’Brien (Mike) of Gladstone; daughter Sabrina Michelle Tolley of Radford; sons Albert (Bub) Claud Tolley, Jr. (Shirley) of Christiansburg, and Jonathan Eric Tolley (Denise) of Pulaski; grandchildren Monica Ann Tolley (Jameel) of Radford, Jonathan Wade Tolley of Radford, and Brandon Scott Tolley King of Radford; great-grandchildren, Homer (CC) Oakley James IV, Damarria (DJ) Otis James, Elijah Scott King, Jonathan Hunter Tolley, and Grayson Cole Tolley; step-grandchildren Zachary Harrell (Maria) of Wilmington, N.C., Nathan Harrell of Pulaski, and Alan Faustino of Pulaski; and a very special bonus granddaughter, Infinity Harmon. She had two pets whom she adored, Vincent and Nala.
She was a longtime member of Carter Street United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and served the Lord. After graduating from what was then Radford College in 1961, she worked at Radford University for many years before retiring. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, trying out new foods, traveling, watching crime shows and sports, and doing crossword puzzles.
The family extends a special thank you to Mary’s village that allowed her to stay in her home and to work. Thanks also go from the family to Good Samaritan Hospice for the care Mary received.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice in the name of Mary S. Tolley.
The family received friends Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at the Carter Street United Methodist Church in Radford, followed by services. Interment followed in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.
The Tolley family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory in Radford.
