Mary Frances Lemon

Mary Frances Elizabeth Yancey Lemon, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at the age of 100. She was a long-time resident of Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, and previously lived in Blacksburg and Virginia Beach.

Born May 7, 1926, on a farm in Rockingham County, Virginia, Mary Frances was the daughter of the late Edgar Wright Yancey and Frances Rush Yancey. She graduated from Broadway High School in 1943. She started her collegiate education at Madison College, and then finished at National Business College in Roanoke, VA, graduating in 1946.

While attending church in Roanoke, she met the love of her life, Robert Ripley Lemon, who had just returned from his service in WWII. They were married on September 14, 1947. The newlyweds moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, during which time Mary Frances worked as secretary to the President of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) while Robert completed his degree there.

After his graduation, the couple settled in Virginia Beach, where Mary Frances embraced her role as a full-time wife, mother, and homemaker. They lived in Virginia Beach for 33 years before retiring to Westminster Canterbury, in Lynchburg, in 1982. They enjoyed more than 50 years of devoted marriage. Her enduring love for him was evident in the loving care she provided throughout their marriage, particularly throughout his last years, until his passing in 1998.

Over the years she served her church and community through a variety of volunteer roles. At Westminster Canterbury, she served as the Chair of The Bazaar and Trash and Treasure sales for over 12 years. She was an active member of Peakland United Methodist Church, the Gideons International Auxiliary South Camp, and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In addition to these interests, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. She also loved expressing her creativity through craft and sewing projects, making many handmade gifts for friends and family. No matter where you looked, there was always a creative reminder of her love of lemons woven into the décor of her home.

She also had a great interest in her family's Virginia history, which dates back to the 1600s. She spent many years researching her ancestors and took great pride in being a direct lineal descendant of John Lewis, founder of Fort Lewis (Staunton, VA). She loved sharing the stories, connections, and landmarks she discovered, helping us understand the legacy we inherited.

Mary Frances always hoped to make it to the “Big 100" and she did so with a determination we all admired. We joyfully celebrated her 100th with a big party, surrounded by the love of many caregivers, friends, and family.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mary Frances was preceded in death by her daughter Julia Rebecca Lemon, her great-grandchild James Marshall Harris, and her eldest brother, Thomas Layton Yancey.

She is survived by her daughters, Alice Waskey (Curtis) of South Boston, VA; Elisabeth Daystar (David) of Lexington, VA; Rachel Harris (Richard) of Virginia Beach; and younger brother Edgar Wright Yancey, of Broadway, VA. In addition, she is also survived by Mary Alice Formo, a deeply loved and dedicated longtime friend, whom she considered family.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Rania Schumacher (Eric), Tara Daystar, Chelsea Daystar, Dr. Jesse Daystar, Curt Waskey (Betsy), Troy Waskey (Sarah), Corbett Harris (Sarah), Andrew Harris, and Jeremy Harris. Her legacy continues with her 10 beloved great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Peakland United Methodist Church on September 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Remembrances may be shared on the Tharp Funeral Home memorial page. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International Auxiliary, South Camp, c/o Gideon Memorial Chairman, P.O. Box 4723, Lynchburg, VA 24502, or to Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.