Mary Nell Vayda

Mrs. Mary Nell Vayda, 91, of Roopville, Georgia, passed away on March 27, 2025. She was born in Carrollton, Georgia, on April 30, 1933, to the late Rev. Ereutte Eugene “E.E.” Griffin and the late Judy Widener Griffin.

Mary Nell was a seamstress with Sewell Manufacturing Company for many years. She was a dedicated homemaker, passionately nurturing her home and family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and caring grandmother, dedicating her life to the well-being and happiness of her loved ones. Mt. Pleasant was her church home, and it was there that she shared the love of Jesus with other like-minded believers. Her creative spirit shone through her hobbies, including crafting beautiful handmade items, baking delicious treats, and cultivating a vibrant garden filled with flowers and vegetables.

Mary Nell leaves behind a cherished family which includes her daughter & son-in-law, Elaine & Mike Eglin; her sons & daughters-in-law, Jim & Mary Vayda, John & Barbara Vayda, and Richard & Rita Vayda; daughter-in-law, Vicki Vayda; sisters, Rachel Johnson and Charlotte Mull; brother, Eugene Griffin; 15 grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary Nell was preceded in death by her loving husband, William “Bill” Vayda; sisters, Rudene Gibbs, Louise Hightower and Evelyn Stogner; brother, Herman Griffin; and her son, Steve Vayda.

A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Mary Nell’s life on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Bro. Klee Don Hightower and Pastor Murphy Hagen officiating. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Tim Johnson, Mike Eglin, Frank Vayda, Matthew Griffin, Donnie Hightower, and Jonah Mull. Entombment will held at a later date in Carroll Memory Gardens. The family will welcome friends and loved ones at the church from 1:00 PM until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Nell’s honor to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church https://www.mympbc.com/ or checks may be mailed to 694 Mt. Pleasant Church Rd. Carrollton, GA 30116.

Friends and family are warmly invited to send condolence messages and share their fond memories of Mary Nell at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to assist with the arrangements and support the family during this challenging time.