Mary Hayton Lambert, 72, of High Point, North Carolina, passed away on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, after a brief illness. Though she was taken from us far too soon, she remained strong and in control until the very end. We are comforted in knowing we will see her again.

Born on November 9, 1953, in Ceres, Virginia, Mary Hayton grew up on a farm in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. She was the daughter of Grat and Mabel Repass Hayton and shared her early years with her sister, Sue Repass Lambert (husband Garrett), and her brother, Ronnie Repass (wife Caroline). Though her early family and in-laws have left us, these memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Mary earned an associate’s degree from Wytheville Community College and began her professional career as a medical technologist in the laboratory at Wythe County Community Hospital. Determined and hardworking, she returned to school while working full time and raising two young children, completing a bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College.

In 1994, Mary relocated to High Point, beginning a 28-year career working third shift in the laboratory at High Point Regional Hospital. While working full time nights, she also worked nearly full time for many years in the laboratory at Cornerstone Piedmont Urology. Mary retired in 2021 after a career defined by her strong work ethic and commitment, earning her not only respect in her field but also a cherished circle of colleagues who became lifelong friends.

At the center of Mary’s world was her family. Known affectionately as “Nana,” she embraced this role with joy and devotion. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Joanie Lambert and fiancée Will Seeley of High Point, North Carolina; her son and daughter-in-law Jody and Olena Lambert of Bland, Virginia; and her treasured grandchildren, Jillian and Ada Lambert and Branden and Liam Seeley. She leaves behind her nieces Rita Childress (husband Charles) and Brittany Lambert (husband Nick) and nephews Ronnie Repass Jr., Tim Repass (wife Theresa), Michael Repass (wife Teresa), Russell Repass (wife Dee Dee), Gene Lambert (wife Theresa), Scott Lambert, Michael Lambert, and their families. Mary also loved her extended family across Virginia, Arizona, and beyond. Mary’s warmth extended beyond family ties as she held dear a host of friends who enriched her life with laughter and companionship, including her best friend and partner-in-crime, LaDonna Jones.

Known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, Mary was reliable, down to earth, and stubborn in the best way, and you could always count on her to have the last word. She loved spending time at home. She enjoyed sweet wines, a good meal, cooking, and sending cooking and travel videos to those she loved. If you visited her home, you knew she had a passion for gardening, flowers, birdwatching, and collecting cookbooks and recipes. An avid reader and a wealth of knowledge, she always had a story to tell - and oh, the stories we have all heard!

Mary found joy in traveling, whether alone or with family and friends. She enjoyed visiting wineries with her friends and cherished trips to the South Carolina coast - moments that brought peace and happiness to her days. We cannot forget her love for Jimmy Buffett and going to many of his concerts around the Southeast. Two of her favorite Jimmy Buffett quotes were “If life gives you limes, make margaritas,” and on each birthday, “Another good trip around the sun completed.”

Mary’s legacy is one of strength, resilience, and deep love for her family. She worked hard, loved fiercely, and lived life on her own terms. Her presence brought joy to those around her, whether through a shared story over a glass of wine, enjoying music at a Jimmy Buffett concert, or recounting the family tree. She has completed her final trip around the sun, and her presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

“Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and as enduring as the stars above.” – Jimmy Buffett

In accordance with her wishes, a graveside service will be held at a later date. All are invited to a celebration of Mary’s life from 6:00-7:30 pm on March 7th, 2026, at the Oak Hill Friends Meeting fellowship hall. The address is 2001 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.