Mary Lulabelle "Ludy" Harris Hayton

Saltville, VA

Mary Lulabelle "Ludy" Harris Hayton, of Saltville, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and faith that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born and raised in Saltville, Mary lived a life full of grace, joy, and creativity with a feisty personality and fun-loving spirit. From her earliest years, she shared her gift of music with others as a talented singer and songwriter. She especially loved playing the piano by ear, and she played the guitar, filling her home and community with melodies that will not be forgotten. In her youth, she proudly marched as a majorette for the Shaker Marching Band, carrying herself with the same spirit and energy that would define her life. She also performed at the Lincoln Theater; she sang on the radio at WMEV, and she performed in a quartet at various churches across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy F. Hayton; her parents, James R. and Mary Lou Harris; her brother, Carl Harris; her nephew, Steven Harris; her niece, Sally Harris; her grandson, Matthew A. Counts; her great-grandson, Harley B. Perkins; and her great-great-grandchildren, Tommy M. Vanhoozer and Nova G. Poole.

She is survived by her children, Santha L. Counts, Robert "Bobby" Hayton, Cherrie F. Hayton, Mechele Hayton Perkins and husband Buster, Travis K. Hayton and wife Christin. She is also remembered with love by her nephews Gregg Harris and wife Sandra, Brian Harris and wife Becky. Her grandchildren — Jodi L. Counts, Christie L. Maloyed and Jason Maloy, Heather Moore and David Vanhoozer, Courtney R. Counts, James "Wesley" Maloyed, Roy L. Perkins and wife Ashley, all of whom will always treasure her memory. Her great-grandchildren, Bailey Kinder, Jordan Mathis, Jade Mathis, Paytyn Fulton, Tori Fulton, Laci Counts, Neelee Stovall, Brittani Vanhoozer, Katie Vanhoozer, Paisley Perkins, and Everley Perkins, along with her great-great-grandchildren, Elliana Vanhoozer and Jaxton Poole, will forever hold her spirit forward. She also leaves behind special friends who were like family, her best friend Frances Henderson, who was like a sister to her, and special friends, James and Nancy Prater, who brought joy and companionship to her life. She deeply appreciated Blackwell's Chapel Church, the Cuddy family and her caring community.

Mary's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and kept her trust in Him throughout every season. Her kindness, her strength, and her gentle spirit shone as a reflection of her devotion.

Mary Lulabelle Harris Hayton will be remembered not only for her music and her talents, but for the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her song will continue in the hearts of those who loved her.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Tracy Puckett officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Lulabelle "Ludy" Harris Hayton.