On Nov. 11, 2016, the Lord called Mary Longest Newhouse to continue to work in His gardens in Heaven.
Her love of flowers and gardening was seen in the Walter Reed Garden Club, garden tours at her home at Swan Place on the Piankatank, and her weekly flower creations for Olive Branch United Methodist Church.
Mary was born Oct. 3, 1937 in Mathews County to the late Ophelia Rammell and John William Longest. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Carlton and William Longest, and her son, Bob Crawford.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Newhouse of Dutton; a brother, John Longest (Joan) of Jamaica; two sisters, Gloria Longest of Urbanna, and Sarah Fary of Gloucester; six children, Tim Crawford of Ark, Bonnie Wandersee (Billy) of New Kent, Beth Heaton (Marty) of Seaford, Michael Paul Newhouse of Baltimore, Maryland, Chuck Newhouse (Rachel) of Lexington, Chris Newhouse (Erin) of Richmond; daughter-in-law, Teresa Crawford; seven grandchildren, Molly, April, Jordan, Sean, Heather, Ben, and Lydia; four great-grandchildren, Brenten, Evangeline, Bonnie, Paislee; as well as a special nephew, Jerry Lee Longest of Manassas, and finally her very special dog, Precious the Baby.
Mary worked with flowers in her own greenhouses and for many others. She also owned and operated the Cobbs Creek Market, managed several stores for Sun Oil, and worked for the Daily Press. She was a very hard worker and loving mother.
The family would like to give special thanks for Christy McCuistion of Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for her loving care during Mary’s short struggle with Mesothelioma, and to her sister, Gloria Longest, for the many hours spent with Mary.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at 3 p.m. at Olive Branch United Methodist Church, Harcum, Va., followed by burial in the church cemetery. A reception will follow at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the General Fund of Olive Branch United Methodist Church or Riverside Walter Reed Hospice.
Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, is in charge of arrangements.