Mary Talley Lawter

Mary Evelyn Talley Lawter, 96, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026.

She was born in Halifax County, VA on December 12,1929, to the late Benjamin Cole Talley and Lizzie Conner Talley.

Evelyn was a longtime employee of Leggett’s/Belk and took great pride in her work and the relationships she built throughout the years. She loved to cook and nothing brought her more happiness than welcoming you through her door and preparing a meal to share with those she loved. Mrs. Lawter was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and treasured great-grandmother. Evelyn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Lawter was preceded in death by her husband, George Allen Lawter, Sr., brother, Coley Talley and sister, Bessie Talley Gravitt.

She is survived by her children, Joan Lawter and husband Rusty Curle, Janet Lawter Lantz and husband Richard, Jean Lawter Hatch and husband Jon, Jackie Lawter Armistead and husband Sonny, and Allen Lawter and wife Donna; grandchildren, Jamie Hudson (Heather), Jessica Hatch Reilly (Luke), Jenny Armistead Clark (Jordan), Joanna Hatch Marchetti (Anthony), Ashley Lantz Gibbs (Whit), Justin Armistead (Jessica), Mallory Lawter (Dan Powell), Dani Lawter Slagle (Joey), Jack Hatch (LeAn), Lyndsay Lawter Williamson (John), and Mackenzie Lawter (Keith Crews); step-grandchildren, Emily Trainum and Todd Curle (Whitney); 20 great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Halifax Memorials Gardens on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. John Pritchard officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Hyco Ruritan Club.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her devoted caregivers, Lawanda Chandler and Sarah Yancey, whose compassion, kindness, and gentle care meant so much to her and to all who loved her. Also, a special thank you to Clarksville Health and Rehab for the care they gave over the last few months.

Memorials may be made to Clarksville Health and Rehab, c/o Primrose Unit Activity Director, 184 Buffalo Road, Clarksville, VA 23927.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave. South Boston.