Mary Edith "Edie" Shenk Layman crossed the bar on March 20, 2025, on the first day of spring. She was born on March 1, 1921 in Warwick County, Virginia the second daughter of Henry Michael Shenk Sr. and Frankie Showalter Shenk. Raised on a farm, she often helped her father with chores, milking cows and selling peaches from their orchard. She met and married a handsome young man from her community, John Jacob Layman. They were married for 54 years until his death in 1996. As a lifelong Christ follower, Edith was active in her church ministry, especially in music, as a Sunday School teacher of young adults and as an editor of the Warwick River Tide. She was a compassionate friend and was generous with her time and hospitality, including meals, overnight stays or a listening ear.

After raising 4 children Edith worked at Denbigh Family Practice for 17 years, serving most of that time as Office Manager. Edith and John took cross-country trips pulling their camper to visit children and grandchildren in California. Along the way they took various routes visiting National sights, family and friends. Edith loved gatherings of any kind, including family reunions, church functions, Sunday dinners and parties. She is known for her love of piping hot coffee, chocolate and a good game of scrabble.

Edith was predeceased by her husband John Jacob Layman; a son Paul R. Layman;daughter in law Linda Hinson Layman; son in law Cecil H Nice; daughter in law Barbara Layman; and six sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Judith Layman Nice, Norma Kathryn Layman (Stuart) and one son, Henry Michael Layman Sr. (Nancy); one brother Henry Michael Shenk Sr. (Peggy); eight grandchildren, Karen Nice Conley (David), Beverly Nice Stanfield (Jeffrey), Eric G. Nice (Marie), Alex J. Nice (Kimberly), Michael Scott Layman (Lisa), Paul Christopher (Kip) Layman (Kristin), Henry Michael Layman Jr., John J. Layman (Angela), Caine Edmond and Dalles Gordon; 23 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many well-loved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 10246 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will follow the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to The Gideons International, www.gideons.org or to the Lackey Clinic, www.lackeyclinic.org.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.