Mary Lee Deal
Mary Lee Staples Deal, 92, of Madison Heights, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Born on February 15, 1934, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Earl Nathaniel Staples and Gladys Wright Staples.
Mary Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Raymond Deal, who was truly her first and last love. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Millicent Tolley (Steve) and Joan Ashworth (Clyde); one brother, Wayne Staples (Becky), all of Lynchburg; and one grandson, Adam Nathaniel Deal.
She is survived by her 4 children: Vickie Spencer of Forest, Kyle Deal and wife, Tammy of Madison Heights, Jackie Hensley and husband, Jack of Appomattox and Joe Deal and wife, Kim of Madison Heights, along with special nieces and nephews and a special friend, Jean Thacker.
She was deeply loved by her grandchildren, Travis Spencer (Tara), Brandi Moore, Hollan Deal, Shane Camden (Leslie), Brett Camden (Tabatha), Kaitlin Rose (Jon), Morgan Deal (Alex), Nicholas Deal (Gillian) and Joshua Skeens (Sarah). She was absolutely adored by her great grandchildren, Tyler, Natalie, Jordan, Tristen, Ethan, Austin, Landon, Blake, Aiden, Addison, Acelyn, Luna, Ainsley, Annie Kate, Levi, Luke and Lane. She also had 4 great-great grandchildren: Kayden, Tegan, Fallon, and Coen.
Mary Lee was a faithful member of Madison Heights Baptist Church , where she could often be found serving in the nursery or helping out in the Church kitchen. After raising her children, she entered the workforce and worked for Dodd Bros., where she managed the in-store DMV office.
She and Raymond were often seen together at Hardee’s for breakfast, the local bowling alley or at a Horseshoe Tournament. She enjoyed watching her favorite shows ~ “Everyone loves Raymond” and “The Andy Griffith Show”. She was always singing along with her “boyfriend” Elvis – often joking he was one good-looking son of a ……… gun.
Her Sunday lunches were a treasured tradition, often featuring her famous roast beef, potatoes, and homemade biscuits and gravy. She cherished time with her family and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was so witty and funny and always spoke her mind—sometimes to everyone’s amusement.
Her home was known as the “Happy Place”, always filled with the joyful noise of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and strong family bonds that will be cherished for generations.
A very special thank you to her granddaughter, Hollan Deal, for the exceptional love and care she provided over the last 8 years. We could not have done this without her. We are also deeply grateful to Wanda Scott for her years of devoted care and friendship, and to Rillie Bryant for her help and support in recent months. Lastly, we would like to thank the Centra Hospice team for their compassionate care over the past year, especially Rosa, Roberta, Patty and Sherri.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel in Madison Heights. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Madison Heights Baptist Church, 329 Main Street, Madison Heights, with Steve Tyree and Rev. Josh Beeler officiating.
There will be a private interment with the family after the service.
The family will be located at 749 Thomas Road, Madison Heights, VA 24572 if anyone would like to visit.
