I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8

Our hearts were saddened by the sudden passing of our mother, Ms. Mary F. Wyatt. Our mother was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA. She was born on December 23, 1937, to the late Mary Susie Ford and Lewis Benjamin Ford of Nottoway County, VA.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Wyatt; son, Jeffery Wyatt; sisters, Joyce Johnson, Janice Anderson, Shirley Banks; brothers, Lewis Ford and Chester Ford (Martha); son-in-law, William Lightfoot; and granddaughters, Ashely Wyatt and Toshema Curry.

Mary accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and was baptized at Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Blackstone, VA and later joining Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA, where she served on the Senior Ministry. She attended Nottoway County Public Schools. She was employed by the Richmond Toll System until it permanently closed.

In Mary's spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, especially spades and duces. She also enjoyed bingo with her granddaughter and daughter-in-law. Mary cherished family time with her children and grandchildren. She loved traveling and going out to eat. Mary was a strong woman who demonstrated strength and courage. She has faced many trials and tribulations in her life; however, she never gave up. Her relationship with the Lord always remained strong. Every time there was a gospel concert coming to town, she was right there. She dearly loved her family and would do anything to help them. She was a strong spirited, independent woman who did not take any junk and did not hesitate to speak her mind. Overall, she loved people.

Mary leaves to cherish her precious memories, her children, Marylin Ford of Baltimore, MD, Linda Lightfoot of Prince George, VA, Kenneth (Sherry) Wyatt of Dinwiddie, VA, Susan Greene, Willie (Rita) Wyatt, and Brenda Wyatt (Chris) of Dinwiddie, VA, Michael Wyatt of Atlanta, GA, Dennis (Lydia) Wyatt of Petersburg, VA, Gale (Vernon) Freeman of Chesterfield, VA, Dale Wyatt of Pocahontas, VA; two brothers, Larry (Kim) Ford and Melvin (Ann) Ford; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Earl Johnson, Rev. Herbert and Obena Anderson. Mary had a place in her heart for all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her great, great grandchildren. She shared a special bond with Jennifer Wyatt, Shaquila Fordham and Iyanna Fordham. Mary also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She shared a special relationship with Mary Lewis and Rebecca (Dollbaby) Johnson, her bingo companions.

The family would like to thank Bon Secours Southside Medical Center (ICU) for giving our mother the best care possible. Also, her children who participated in the care of our mother, Brenda Wyatt, Susan Greene, Gale Wyatt, Kenneth (Sherry) Wyatt and Willie (Rita) Wyatt. Mother will be missed for the love she gave to others.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, Senior Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Herbert W. Anderson, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial 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/6067530?fl=so&fe=fs