Fariss, Mary Lou
Mary Lou Fariss, aged 70, a compassionate spirit and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024, in Rich Creek, Virginia. Born on June 22, 1953, in Stuart, Virginia, Mary lived a life marked by kindness, creativity, and a profound love for animals.
Mary spent many years as a dedicated customer service agent at Global Eyeware Vision, where her warmth and patience left a lasting impression on both her colleagues and clients. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to connect with people were hallmarks of her professional life.
Beyond her career, Mary was deeply involved in her local community, particularly in animal welfare. She devoted countless hours to the Spay Neuter Funding program in Giles County, ensuring that hundreds of cats and dogs received the necessary care they needed. Her tireless advocacy and volunteer work helped to improve the lives of many animals and their owners. Mary’s love for animals extended to her involvement in animal rescue. She was often seen opening her home and heart to animals in need, providing them with love and care until they found their forever homes. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, both human and animal.
Her creative spirit found expression in her poetry, paintings, and ceramics. Mary had an extraordinary talent for capturing the beauty of the world around her, and she shared her artistic vision generously with all who knew her. Her home was often filled with wonderful smells of her homemade cooking.
She is survived by a loving family who will miss her deeply: her son, Robert Bryant of North Carolina; daughters Jaime Bryant of Lynchburg, VA, and Robin Seliga of Pearisburg; grandchildren Taylor Wright, Liam Bryant, Nyla Bryant, Peyton Bryant and her fiancée Sam Craighill, and Susie Bryant; great-grandchildren Osiris “Ozzy” Carlisle Bryant, Caspian Wolf Thomlinson, Evie Moon Thomlinson, Leona River Craighill, and Runa Ember Craighill; sisters Shirley Mabry Gentry (Kip) and Donna Mabry; nephew Christopher Dunn; niece Karrah Dunn Williams; and several beloved cousins and friends. Her passing was preceded by her parents, Clarence Thomas and Betty Wade Mabry, and her nephew, JD Merrix.
Mary’s life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and creativity. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive not only through her family but also through the many lives she improved – both people and pets alike. She was a beacon of hope and a source of comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family of Mary will receive friends in a time of visitation on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM in Kendall Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Timothy Cronk officiating. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Mary Fariss.
