Obituaries » Thelma Marie Ryan

Thelma Marie Ryan

September 20, 1933 - December 2, 2022

Thelma Marie Ryan, 89, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 2, 2022, at her daughter’s residence.

She was born in Pennsylvania on September 20, 1933, to the late Joseph Mann and Regina Brennan. She was the devoted wife to the love of her life, Richard Samuel “Dick” Ryan.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Regina M. Ryan of Concord, Diana L. Ryan (Ralph) of Rustburg, and Elana D. Oliver of Lynchburg. She was fondly known as “Granny” by her five grandchildren Heather D. Kennon (Lonnie) of Spout Spring, Samantha N. Bryant (Steven) of Rustburg, Matthew E. Johnson (Bre) of Rustburg, Makayla Shea Harris (Jeremiah) of Altavista, and Samuel “Christian” Watson of Concord.

She is also survived by dear friends and caregivers, Cyndi Hamilton, Heather Woodson and was “Granny Ryan” to Tarik and Nadia (Dyani), Imani (O’rian), and Kaya (Galaxie) of Richmond. She was known as “Super Granny” by her six great-grandchildren Hailey Kennon, Lonnie Kennon, Jr., James Kennon, Bently Bryant, Chase Bryant, and Cory Bryant.

She retired from Stop-In Food Stores after 20 years of excellent management services. One of her best memories included her co-worker/”son” Leon Bradley.

She enjoyed family life, dancing with her husband, her cats, and coffee after mass on Sunday mornings. She was a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she served the Eucharist often.

We would like to give a special thanks to Centra Home Health including Stacey, Tracy, Nichole and Sarah. Also, a special thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Tammy, Gwen and staff for giving Thelma the kind and gentle care she deserved.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg Chapel, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, in memory of Thelma.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Thelma 's life with a short message, photo or video!

Your mother was a beautiful woman. You have our condolences. The Fultons, Carl, Heather, Daniel, Abigail

Posted by The Fultons on December 7, 2022

Your mother was such a beautiful lady and such a console I remember her when I was a little kid when she worked at the stop in on Campbell avenue. I pray for your family in this time of grieving and may God be with you all at this time of grief and put his loving arms around yall. I will be praying for your whole family

Posted by Connie Ennis Blankenship on December 6, 2022

Elana, we are sorry to hear of your mothers passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult days ahead. from your Greif Shipping family.

Posted by Angela Modie on December 5, 2022

I want everyone to know that Im srorry for ur loss I loved Thelma with all my heart she made my life start when she made all my flowers for my wedding she did lots of kind acts I will miss her dearly.

Posted by Ann Cash on December 4, 2022

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