Lewisburg-Just past midnight on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, Amaryllis Irene Ray Walkup, 87, died surrounded by family at the Peyton Hospice House, Fairlea.
Amaryllis was born to William H. and Mamie Casebolt Ray on Mar. 8, 1933.
She was preceded in death by her dear devoted husband, Homer Lucian Walkup, Jr., after 65 years of marriage.
They were the parents of four children, Margaret Grace (Cecil) Tucker, Robert Dale (Dolly) Walkup, Brenda Gay (Edward)Pagán, and Mary Elizabeth (David) Richmond. They were, also, the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is survived by one brother, Guy (Jean) Ray of Hinton; and a sister-in-law, Virginia Talbott Walkup of Rock Hill, SC; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Amaryllis was raised on a farm on Germany Road in Frankfort, WV, until the age of 12 when the family moved to a beautiful old home on Church Street in Lewisburg. She graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1951 and married Homer Lucian Walkup, Jr. in December of that same year. Lucian, Amaryllis and their four children lived in Wolf Creek, WV, for 10 years until Lucian was transferred to Pennsylvania with his job. They lived in Muncy, PA, until 1974 when Lucian retired and they returned to the home place on Church Street in Lewisburg. While living in Pennsylvania, Amaryllis became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at the Greenbrier Valley Hospital in Ronceverte until retiring as an Obstetrics Nurse. She loved her profession, but mostly loved cuddling and caring for the newborn babies. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and aunt who spent much of her free time visiting and caring for the family.
Amaryllis was a devout Christian and active, lifelong member of The Lewisburg Church of Christ.
She was a Girl Scout & Boy Scout Leader, Band Mother, and member of the General Andrew Lewis DAR Chapter. Her many hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving, baking, cooking, canning, and freezing.
Amaryllis will be honored at a private family service and laid to rest at Greenbrier Memorial Gardens in Lewisburg.
In lieu of flowers, please, send donations to the Lewisburg Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1531, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com