Mary Louise Wimbush

Mary Louise Wimbush, affectionately known as “Mercie” or “Ease,” of Disputanta, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on November 2, 1938, in Southampton County, Virginia, Mary was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence touched the lives of many. She will be remembered for her kindness, wonderful sense of humor, pure delight to dance, generosity, strength, and most of all, her deep love for her family.

Mary grew up in Southampton County, Virginia, where she spent her early years surrounded by family and community. In her youth, she worked at MCV Hospital in Richmond, where she was responsible for cleaning bottles used for infants. Her strong work ethic and caring nature were qualities she carried with her throughout her life.

On June 9, 1958, Mary married the love of her life, James E. Wimbush, Sr. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with three beautiful children: Valerie, Felicia, and James Jr.

After moving to their forever home in Disputanta, Virginia, Mary continued to work hard to provide for and care for her family. She later began working as a custodian at South Elementary School in Prince George County, Virginia, where she dedicated many years of service before retiring.

Throughout her life, Mary cherished her family and believed in celebrating life. She had a special way of making those around her feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her laughter, love of dancing and warm spirit created memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William A. Lanier, Sr. and Lula Beatrice Artis-Lanier; her beloved husband, James E. Wimbush, Sr.; her eldest daughter, Valerie M. Wimbush; and her sisters, Julia Octavia Lanier-Nelson, Claudia Celester Lanier-Thweatt, and Clara Evangeline Thweatt.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory of her children, Felicia Wimbush-Sumpter (Aaron) and James E. Wimbush, Jr. (Shonita). She also leaves her grandchildren, Ashley P. Wimbush (Ronnie), Brianna M. Wimbush, Monica M. Sumpter (Zackery), Joshua I. Sumpter (Mozaisha), Thomas J. Sumpter II, Kennidi McMullens, Joshua Hopper, Percel N. Sumpter, Lewis Sumpter, Ashley Sumpter, and Aaron J. Sumpter.

She leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Jayden C. Pervall Jada M. Gayle, Valencia L. Wimbush-Parker, Harmonee N. Sumpter, Ronnie Parker, Jr., Eva A. Jones-Sumpter, and Shannon V. Sumpter.

She is also survived by her sibling, William A. Lanier, along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and other loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

Though Mary is no longer with us in person, the love, memories, laughter, wisdom, and lessons she shared will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will continue to live on through the family she loved so dearly.

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate a remarkable life and the beautiful memories of a woman who will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Sylvia Tucker, eulogist. The interment to follow at Loving Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6242393?fl=so&fe=fs