Mary Sue Bragg (Hess)

August 1, 1941 - March 26, 2019

Mary Sue Hess Bragg, age 77, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. She was born on Friday, August 1, 1941, to the late Bennie and Zola Hess. She is celebrating a joyous reunion with the love of her life, Thomas "Buck" Bragg; their love was a love that lasted beyond a lifetime. Along with her parents, her brothers, June, James, Joe, and Connie Hess; her best friend, Ruby Dowdy; and great-granddaughter, Bridgett Compton all welcomed her to her heavenly home. 
Left to treasure her precious memory are her daughters, Karen Phillips and husband, Lee and Lisa Hammes and husband, Jon; her beloved grandchildren, Kylen Kirkwood and wife, Trish, Danielle Kirkwood, Victoria Kirkwood, and Matthew Compton; her precious great-grandchildren, Bell, Haley, and Kennedy; brothers, Coy Hess and wife, Dean, Bill Hess and wife, Brenda, and Louis Hess and wife, Jan; sisters-in-law, Imogene Salyers and husband, Leonard, Sue Mutter and husband, Holly, Ida Bumgardner and husband, John, Rita Burks and husband, Robert, Betty Rasnick, and Wanda Hess; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va. with Rev. Dr. E. Wayne Sellers officiating. Family and friends will be serving as pallbearers. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va.
Friends may visit with the family from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank the caring and devoted staff at Our Lady of the Valley and Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent care of their “Little Mama.” 
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The SW Virginia Wildlife Center: swvawildlifecenter.org to ensure the continued care of her beloved birds.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.