Mary Kathleen Bell Handy, 90, of Dublin, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 13, 2012 surrounded by her family.

She is predeceased by her parents, Claude and Mattie Bell, her husband of 48 years, Howard L. Handy, brothers, James Bell, Glenn Bell, Lewis Bell and sister, Nellie Sexton.

Mrs. Handy is survived by her adoring children, Ruth Claudiene Lawton, and husband, Sonny Lawton of Murrells Inlet, SC, Betty Thomas and husband, Bob Thomas of Dublin, VA, Joyce Morris and husband, Paul Morris of Radford, Va., Harold Handy and wife, Evelyn Handy of Dublin, Va.

Grandchildren: Skip Lawton and his wife, Sherrie Lawton of Christiansburg, VA,. Rena Wilson and husband, Brad Wilson of Pulaski, VA., Pam Palmer and husband, Richard Palmer of Dublin, Va. , Karen Boone and husband, James Boone of Christiansburg, Va, Barry Morris of Radford, Va., Barbie Shedd and her husband, Eric Shedd of Hubert, NC.

Great grandchildren: Caleb Wilson, Courtney Wilson, Joshua Palmer, Lauren Palmer, Zoe Lawton, Jordan Boone, Nathan Boone, Abby Shedd and Austin Shedd,Allison Brown, Kimmy McDonald and Heather Hadrick.

Surviving sisters in law; Lucy Bell of Rural Retreat, Va., Ann Bell of Atkins, Va., Elizabeth Wills of Dublin, Va., nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Handy, "Mamaw" as her loving family refers to her, has passionately cared for many children throughout her lifetime. After the passing of her father, she began at the young age of 9 caring for her brothers and sister. She and her husband, Howard raised four of their own children, as well as nieces and nephews. Grandchildren came into the family, all living close allowing them to grow up blessed with their loving care. The children gathered daily to play and let their grandparents be an important part of their lives. Mamaw and Papaw took care of Mary's mother for many years in their own home. Mr. Handy, "Papaw" was called to heaven in 1986, a few years prior to the birth of their first great grandchild. However, Mamaw was thrilled to care for great grandchildren as well, continuing through 2009 when the teenagers rode the school bus to her house. Mamaw has been a true blessing to all that knew her. Being touched by such a special person will leave lasting memories.

The family extends sincere thanks for the kindness and care provided by Good Samaritan Hospice. Mrs. Handy was able to stay at home under the loving care of her family and Missy Graham.

Services will be held Monday at 1:00pm, January 16, 2012 in the Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski, Va. with Rev. Randy Winn officiating. Interment will follow at the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin.
The visitation will be held Monday from 11:00am until the time of service.

To send online messages to the family, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com.
Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the Handy family.