Mary Launius Beauchamp

Mary Launius Beauchamp, 84, died February 19, 2013, at Westminster-Canterbury following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born at home, September 17, 1928 in Ashburn, GA, the only child of John Robert Launius and Laura Talton Launius.   A graduate of Weslyan College in Macon, she taught special education for several years in Georgia.

It was in Macon that Mary accepted an offer to substitute in a bridge game and met her husband, Richard Harmon Beauchamp.   She lovingly put up with him for 58 years and they made a great team together  as they moved around the country, living in Valdosta, GA, Tomahawk, WI, and  Jacksonville, FL.  They raised their children in Orange, TX, from 1966 -1980 but it is Lynchburg they have enthusiastically called home for the past 30 years.

In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by a daughter, Laura Beauchamp Mullen and her husband Patrick of San Luis Obispo, CA, and a son, Allen Beauchamp, of Orange, TX.   Also surviving are grandchildren Paige Mullen, Denver, CO, and Michael and Anna Mullen, San Luis Obispo, CA.  She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and they have fond memories of building box houses in the basement, baking fun cakes and catching fireflies.

Mary enjoyed being part of a special neighborhood and relished her time with the families that lived on Cardinal Place.  Many people benefitted from her sewing and decorating skills, and she loved playing bridge.  After Harmon retired, they cruised and travelled to many fascinating places, but it was probably the friends that went with them or that they met  on their travels that gave her the most joy.  She was always a good friend and definitely knew the value of saying \"thank you\" for every kindness extended to her.

Mary and Harmon moved to Westminster-Canterbury in 2011 and have treasured the camaraderie and friendships developed there.  The family wishes to especially thank the devoted and professional staff on the 6th floor, as well as Chaplain Caitilin, for the support and care the last few weeks.  They also wish to thank Dr. Jack MacNeill for nine years of medical and emotional support.  It means more than you can possibly know.

A lifelong Methodist, Mary was an active and involved member of Peakland United Methodist Church.  Mary was also a member of the Womans Club of Lynchburg, Boonsboro Country Club, and volunteered over the years at the Fine Arts Center, Adult Care Center, Daily Bread, Poplar Forest, Churches for Urban Ministry, and Interfaith Outreach Association.

The family will receive friends at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, on Sunday, February 24, from 7-8:30 p.m.  A memorial service will be held Monday, February 25, at 2 p.m. at Peakland United Methodist Church,   4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, with the Rev. Edwin Clever officiating.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution please consider Interfaith Outreach Association, P.O. Box 1125, Lynchburg, VA  24505 or Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.