Obituary

Elizabeth Layne Mays, 82, was called home by her Lord on the afternoon of January 27, 2023 surrounded by her family. We were able to say our goodbyes and let her go. Waiting in heaven to greet her were her parents, George “Ray” and Georgia Scantling; her brother, Randy; sister, Susan; first husband, Melvin Layne; and her sweet great-grandson, Nathan. She is survived by her husband, Raby Mays; sons, Stephen Layne (Eileen), Philip Layne (Sandra), Jimmy Layne, and David Layne; daughters, Virginia Gay Houser and Twila Depasquale; and her stepchildren, Tim Mays (Nicole) and Stephanie Deemer (Kevin). She had a special place in her heart for Florence Shibley and Ginger Levenite who joined her family through foster care. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She grew up in Richmond and after starting her family, became a foster parent to over 30 children. She worked for more than 60 years in the accounting field, and in 1987, with her cousin Peggy Brissette, started the accounting firm Deerfield Associates Inc. She enjoyed listening to music with friends and her favorite outings were bluegrass festivals. She lived her life according to Our Lord’s commandment to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ always putting others’ needs before her own. She loved the Lord and was a cherished member of Community Baptist Church in Surry, VA. The family would like to thank the special caregivers in the Coronary Care Unit at Chippenham Hospital. Flowers are welcomed but donations can be made to a favorite children’s charity.

The family will receive friends from 10am to 11am on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road (Rte. 10) with a funeral service to follow at 11am. Interment to take place at 2pm at Sandy Creek Baptist Church.