Grace Marie (Houser) Werkheiser passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Marie was born on July 3, 1927, in Lee County, North Carolina to the late Claude and Cattie Ann Houser.

Marie was a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her strong will and being fiercely protective of her family. Marie was always the happiest when spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whenever they came for a visit, Marie would make lunch, serving her homemade pimento cheese.

Marie was a resident of Newport News for 30 years, a resident of Suffolk for 35+ years, and a resident of Poquoson for 3 years. The last three years of her life, she lived in North Carolina. Marie was a dedicated employee of C&P Telephone company as a long-distance telephone operator and retired after 25 years of service. In 1982, she married Wilson Floyd "Bill" Werkheiser and was happily married for 35+ years. They enjoyed traveling and attending reunions with his Navy buddies. Marie enjoyed shopping, bowling, quilting, crossword puzzles, western movies, and a good seafood dinner. Marie had a strong faith and attended Parkview Church of God in Newport News for over 70 years.

Along with her parents, Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Floyd "Bill" Werkheiser; sister, Mary Katherine "Kat" Posey; brother, David Lee Houser; son, John Thomas "Tommy" Ross; daughter Geraldine "Gerry" Bryant; and stepson, Rick Werkheiser.

She is survived by her five nieces, Bernice "Ann", Mildred, Janice, Linda, and Claudia (who thought of Marie as their 2nd mom); stepson, Gary; daughter-in-law, Linda; five grandchildren, Abbie, Terry, Bridget, Cynthia "Cindi", and Michele; eleven great grandchildren, Nicole, Trevor, Calvin, Caleb, Timothy "TJ", Mykenzie, Myles, Grayce, Maryam, John "JP", and Elizabeth "Ellie"; and four great-great grandchildren, Alexia, Payton, Sadie, and Bristol.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA  23601.

A graveside memorial service will be at 3:00 PM at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA  23606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parkview Church of God in honor of Marie's memory.