Obituary of Mary Alice Royall

Mary Alice Virginia Mayo Royall was born July 31, 1928, in Buckingham County, Virginia to the late Samuel and Bettie Mayo. She had one sister, Lucy E. Carter and four brothers, George Mayo; Howard Seay, Ernest Seay and Junius Seay all who preceded her in death. On August 30, 2018, she departed this life at home with her children by her side. She joined the Petersville Baptist Church at an early age and maintained a faithful membership until her death. She sang in the choir for over 50 years, served as a member of the Missionary Ministry, Rescue Club and in 2012 became an Honorary Member of the Voices of Judah. She was honored to become the "Mother of the Church" in August 2014. Not only did she have a special love for her church family, but she also had a special love for "her Pastor and First Lady." When she was unable to attend church, Mother Royall would always ask, "did MY Pastor ask about me?" Mother Royall was educated in the Buckingham County Public Schools which went to the 7th Grade. She learned to spell phonetically by Mrs. Hall and was very proud of it. Mother Royall later studied in the Cumberland County Adult Education Program to get her GED under the guidance of Mr. Ernest Miller. Mother Royall worked various jobs during her lifetime but enjoyed the position as Office Aide at the Cumberland Elementary School. Mother Royall loved raising her children and grandchildren. She had a love for cooking and preparing large meals for her family, especially during the holidays. Some of her favorite dishes were making soups, apple rolls and sweet potato pies. She also enjoyed traveling with her family; whether near or far. Mother Royall touched so many people throughout her life. She was well known in the Cumberland County community. She always had more love to share, and room at the table to feed one more. Some of her hobbies were reading the Bible, singing, spelling, and playing bingo with her family and friends (she was always the "winner"). When her health began to fail she lived with her oldest daughter, the late Annie "Bunny" Allen, and during the last 10years with her youngest daughter and son-in-law (Jeraldine & Monroe Seay). In November 1949, she was joined in wedlock to Frank C. Royall, who preceded her in death. They were blessed with 16 children (8 boys and 8 girls). Six of her children preceded her in death: Annie, Clara, Frank Jr., Mary Elaine, James Sr., and Ernest Gus, and two grandsons (Albert "Lorenzo" Allen and Doron Royall) and a great granddaughter. She loved her children and took great pride in raising them after her husband's death in 1973. Life was not always easy, but she did not complain while raising 9 children under the age of 18. She always said, "I am well blessed." Mother Royall loved people, and people loved her. Mother Royall leaves to continue her legacy of love her devoted children: Davie (Patricia) Royall, Baltimore, MD; Bertha (John) Davis, Cumberland, VA; Margaret Royall, Cumberland, VA; Darlene (David) Sims, Richmond, VA; Alease Royall, Cumberland, VA; Wesley (Wanda) Royall, Lynchburg, VA; Danny (Kim) Royall, Richmond, VA; Jeraldine (Monroe) Seay, Cumberland, VA; Earl Royall, Cumberland, VA; and Jerry (Sasha) Royall, Cumberland, VA. Thirty (30) grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She had 3 goddaughters: Sharon Johnson, Teresa Booker & Senata Holman. Mother Royall also leaves one devoted niece, Betty Ann (Grady) Davis that she raised and loved as her own. Her dear friends: Reverend Annie Anderson, Mother Delphine Dabney, Sister Delores Liggins, Mrs. Annie Sims and Mrs. Loretha "Bell" Thomas. She had a few special children: Larry Royall (Brenda) nephew, Deacon Lonnie & Dr. Jessie Johnson, Alice Randolph, and Deacon Carl "Douglas" Brown. Mother Royall was loved. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Long live the "Royall Queen" in our hearts. "For absent from the body is present with the Lord."