Rosalind O. Mays

Rosalind Odell Mays, 72, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away on August 18, 2025. She was affectionately known as Lucy by her family after being named Lucy Annie by her aunt because of her love for the I Love Lucy show. She was the daughter of the late Garfield Mays and Avirl Wood Mays.

Rosalind was born on August 1st, 1953. She was an active member of the Amherst County community, where she was born and raised. Through her many years of service as a dental hygienist for the Health Department, she was revered by many. It was not uncommon for her to be recognized by a former patient. To their surprise, she remembered their name and could recount an experience as a patient.

Rosalind had a huge heart and a passion for children. Her selfless act of saving a two-year-old from being hit by an oncoming car represents how she lived her life. Although she never bore children, she was a mother and an aunt to many. As a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Sunday School Secretary, and A Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters, she passed on the skills and values she learned from her many aunts and uncles who were more like second parents. Her hobbies included baking, organizing events, wedding planning, and singing.

Music was a huge part of her life and ministry. Her love for music inspired her to sing with every choir at Rose Chapel Baptist Church throughout more than sixty years as a member. She created lifelong friendships as a member of the Central Virginia Chorale Ensemble. Her special soprano voice led to special requests for songs that listeners only wanted to hear from her.

In her last years, even with declining health, she was faithfully committed to service. She could be found every Friday morning at Rebirth Church, helping with the Red Truck Ministry. If she did not see one of the regular recipients, they would receive a check-in call from her just to make sure they were alright. These mornings usually included playful and joking about her Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rosalind is survived by her sister, June Mays Rose; niece, Renee Rose Flowers; nephew, Renard Rose; great nephew, Jordan R. Rose; great niece, Sierra R. Rose; Sister-Cousins Stephanie Braxton Johnson, Michele Thompson Penick, Shelby Wood Penn; Goddaughters, Gena Penick and Nina Warrick Jones; and a host of cousins and many loving friends.

In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rosalind O. Mays Fund at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation.

A celebration of Rosalind's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Rose Chapel Baptist Church.

Tharp Funeral Home, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.