02/11/2026
***UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION***
Mary Harris Tobias
12-5-1954——01-29-2026
Mary was called to her heavenly home and reunited with her mother Sadie, & sister Cindy on January 29, 2026. She shared with many, that’s all she wanted, was to “be with my momma & Cindy.” In addition to her mother and sister, she was preceded in death by her father, Lester P. Harris, brother Mark Anthony “Tony” Harris, and the father of Robbie & Amy, Bobby Williams, and Nicole’s father, Bill Tobias.
Mary was born 12-5-54 in Roanoke City (Va.) to Lester Payne Harris and Sadie McConville Harris. She was their oldest child and enjoyed being a sister to Cindy, Tony & Scott, and being one of the many many cousins from the McConville family.
Mary sadly leaves behind her 3 children; Rob Williams (Angelica) of Florida, Amy W. Anderson (Bertin) of Lynchburg/Crozet and Nicole Arthur of Winston-Salem. Mary also leaves her grandchildren to cherish her memory; Amy’s two sons, Jay (her “J-bird”) & Bradley, and Nicole’s children, Maleah (her “Sunshine”) Jessie, Ari and Lexi, and great granddaughter Sophia. Missing her as much as we will, is James Lee, whom our family has cared for, for 12+ years; and her 5lb grand dog “Bentley.”
Mary is also survived by her “big little brother” Glenn Scott Harris & wife Roxanne, as well as 3 nephews; Jonathan (Lisa) Matt (Nora) and David, and Matt’s children, Sequoia, Leilani and Adonis.
Mary was always a hard and dedicated worker, working in the school system cafeterias for years, Lynchburg Parks & Rec, Paktron, and finishing employment with Aztec Rental for 12 years. As a party and wedding planner, she helped make countless and treasured memories for many!
Her greatest role, however, was caring for her mother Sadie, for 4 1/2 years before her passing a little over 2 years ago. After Sadie’s passing, Mary found joy in caring for her second cousin,
Hazel Hartless. Hazel filled a void in her life and gave her purpose. This (and the friendships she found there) was a great source of happiness for her, and she did this, up until the day she sought medical care in December. She often said she’d “been taking care of others her whole life.”
Mary also treasured time spent on Saturday mornings with her cousin Diane (& Dorothy!) getting breakfast, going to yard sales, the farmers market and many other excursions along the way! She delighted in this time and could always find a treasure and pack a 5$ bag full to the brim!
She could grow anything, and had many many beautiful plants that she would care for, talk too, and even nurse back to health for others. Having a green thumb was an understatement!
Perhaps, the one thing that will be missed by many, will be the dishes she would make and the desserts she would bake. She found joy in cooking and baking for others, and so many of her dishes and desserts will surely be missed by all.
There are many memories that Scott, Rob, Amy & Nicole will hold near and dear to their hearts. We always knew no matter what, she loved us and would do anything she could for and with us.
We thank all those that loved her too, and hope her service to others will encourage and inspire you to do the same.
The love and the laughter we shared, will live in our hearts forever momma….
A celebration of life will be held in the near future when travel arrangements can be made for out of state children.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Pleasant View Baptist Church, 19278 Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
A time of gathering, fellowship and memory sharing will follow the service at the multipurpose building; we invite you to join us- bring your favorite dish and share this time with Mary’s family and friends!
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
