MARY KESSLER's Obituary
CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA –
Mary Fulmer Kessler of Chesapeake, Virginia, was born on December 4, 1937, to the late Herman Leon Fulmer and the late Elizabeth Hill, and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 18, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Arlin Kessler. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church in Perry, Georgia. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral beginning at 2:00p.m. Burial will be in the Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church Campground Cemetery immediately following the service.
Mary was sanctified as a young girl and remained a lifelong member of Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church, holding fast to her faith throughout her entire life. Mary always kept the company of dogs – never just one, but several at a time - and she loved every one of them like they were her own children. Her home was rarely without the sound of paws and wagging tails, and her animals brought her tremendous joy throughout her life. Mary’s home was always open to the young people of her church, as well as any other person that found themselves in need of love and acceptance. Whether family or neighbors, kids always knew Mary’s door was a welcoming one, and many grew up finding laughter and a listening ear within her walls.
Each Christmas, Mary and Arlin took on the role of Santa and Mrs. Claus for their church family in Chesapeake, making sure every child received a gift. It was a tradition they carried out together for years, and one that reflected the generosity and warmth Mary carried in her heart all her life. Throughout her life, Mary embodied II Corinthians 9:7 to all those she met. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Arlin Kessler; her daughter, Cynthia Arlene Collier; five grandchildren, Cameron Kessler, Kaeleigh Collier, Lia Collier, Megan Collier, and Bo Collier; two brothers, Herman Leon Fulmer, Jr., and Tommy Fulmer; and two sisters, Darlene Prince and Martha Simmons.
Mary is survived by her son, Allan Kessler, and his wife Rhonda; her sister-in-law, Beverly Bates; four grandchildren, Randall Collier, Jr., Michelle Guo and her husband Charlie, Jacob Collier and his wife Hannah, and Conner Kessler; two sisters, Loretta Mustin, and Marsha Reese and her husband Bobby; four great-grandchildren; her life-long friend, Nancy Romeo; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who were all so special to Mary.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at https://www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry, Georgia, has been entrusted with the arrangements.christ
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