Maudy Walker Mays died Nov. 27, 2018. She was the widow of Dr. Gilbert Mays. She leaves behind her beloved children: Daughter, Blanche Delores Mays Maness; Granddaughter, Tamika Nicole Hutchinson; and Great Grandson, Brandon Olliver Hutchinson. In addition, she leaves nieces, nephews, and a cadre of close friends.

Born Aug. 16, 1919, to Benjamin Wert and Nealie Short Walker whom brought forth 16 children. At 99 years old, Maudy was the last living of the siblings to pass. At an early age it was instilled by her parents: to have a relationship with God deeply rooted in faith and the fulfillment of his will. She carried this trait and a missionary mindset throughout her entire life.

Maudy received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Va. and later received her Master’s Degree from Virginia State College, now Virginia State University. At the age of 12, after urging from her father, Maudy began teaching children in Sunday School; little did she know this would eventually plant the seed to a 40-plus year career in education, specifically teaching reading and grammar. After teaching in Brunswick County, she moved on to Richmond City Public Schools and finished her career in Alexandria City Public Schools. All of the aforementioned roles gave her the opportunity to change numerous young children’s lives with her kindhearted gentle way of teaching reading.

Maudy was active in Lawrenceville, Va. with church and support of civic groups; and, in Richmond, Va., member of Moore Street Baptist Church. Later she became president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Omega Chapter.

In Alexandria City, Maudy affiliated with organizations which supported young children and others in her community. She was an active member of The Reading is Fundamental Board, Hopkins House, Shiloh Baptist Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, Alexandria Beautification Commission, Alexandria Mental Health Commission, Alexandria Chapter of the NAACP, Alexandria Afro-American Festival Committee, Alexandria Democratic Party Committee, George Mason University, Phi Delta Kappa Charter member, Alfred Street Baptist Church, and an Alexandria Election Officer. Maudy delighted in being a beacon of light, support, and encouragement for all she knew – she never expected accolades, simply God’s grace.

Viewing and visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony (AKA), 10:15-11 a.m., Viewing and Visitation; 11 a.m. Eulogy; Repast immediately following at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred St., Alexandria. The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, officiating. Interment, Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, 11 a.m., at Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, Va.

Arrangements entrusted to: J.M. Wilkerson Establishment, Inc., 102 Church Avenue, Petersburg, Va., Shelton M. Smith, manager and funeral director.