Lyda Y. McArthur

Lyda Yarbrough McArthur, a retired elementary school teacher and long-time resident of Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County, passed away at the age of 85. She spent her last days with her sons, Todd and Scott, by her side, in her assisted living apartment in northern Virginia, surrounded by pictures of family and friends. Lyda was born in Tampa, Florida on July 30, 1933. Lyda is the eldest of five other surviving siblings, Dr. Nelson Yarbrough (Dr. Sandra), Gail Thompson-Visser (Dr. Ken), J. Dale (Buddy) Yarbrough, Jimmy Yarbrough (Karen), and LaRetta Yarbrough. Much to the chagrin of everyone in her family (mostly Gator fans), other than Buddy, Lyda attended Florida State University. Before earning her B.S. in Education degree (1952/53), Lyda was actively involved in a wide range of student extracurricular activities, including the Theatre Dance Group and the FSU Flying High Circus – a college circus club. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Looking for a change after several years, she packed up, headed west, and continued her teaching career in San Bernardino, California. She returned to teaching in Wauchula, Florida, where she raised Todd and Scott through their early school years. Lyda, Todd, and Scott moved to Charlottesville in 1978, where she enjoyed the remainder of her teaching career and lived close to her brother Dr. Nelson Yarbrough (Dr. Sandra). Lyda is survived by two children, Todd Yarbrough McArthur (Chris) and Scott Yarbrough McArthur (Felice). She loved and adored three grandchildren, Meagan, Maddie, and Grant. Some of her fondest memories were showing Meagan deer in the backyard of her Charlottesville home, being close to the action of Meagan’s and Maddie’s summer swim team (and getting wet as a result), and spending time with her ice cream eating buddy Grant. She cherished the time she spent as an elementary school teacher in Albermarle County, and she always enjoyed running into former students and families when she lived in Charlottesville. A private family service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - https://www2.jdrf.org) would be appreciated. Fond Memories and condolences may be left at www.murphyfuneralhomes.com.