Mary Elizabeth Unrue, of Amherst, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023. Mary was born December 2, 1942, in Lynchburg, VA to Charlie and Minnie Daniel Unrue. She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Margaret Thompson of Hampton, VA, her sister, Charlene Clements of Roanoke, VA; her brother, Bobby Unrue of Lynchburg, VA; and her half-brothers, Calvin and Grover Unrue of Lynchburg, VA.
Mary is survived by her sister, Madeline Willis of Lynchburg, VA; her brother, Ronnie Unrue (Benita) of Monroe, VA; and her many nieces, nephew, and great-nieces, great-nephew, and great great-nephew. She is also survived by her extended family, and care givers, Bobby and Kim Wood, Mallory Wood, Travis Wood, and her four-legged loyal companion, Sophie.
Mary worked in the community through the Sheltered Workshops program for many years. She lived on her own until her health declined; she then lived with her sister Charlene. While living with her sister she enjoyed going to church functions, taking walks, and helping maintain the house. Several years later she went to live with her brother Ronnie where she enjoyed watching the cows, hummingbirds, and rabbits. During this time, she also loved attending lunches with her Daniel cousins. For the past almost three years, Mary has lived with her extended family. During her time there, she made many new friends, and had special outings which allowed her to give back to her community – ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, and delivering Meals on Wheels, of which she was once a recipient.
Mary enjoyed outings to play mini golf, watch a Hill Cats game, look at Christmas lights, attend the local circus and fair. She believed in celebrating every holiday or special occasion to the fullest, especially, St. Patrick’s Day, 4th of July, and Flag Day.
Mary loved coloring, working puzzles, watching game shows, and the color blue. Recently, Mary had the opportunity to attend one of her favorite game shows, with her extended family, to be a contestant on Lynchburg’s rendition of The Price is Right! Spending time and taking silly photos with Mallory always made Mary smile.
One of her greatest joys was making and sending holiday and birthday cards, which always included a poem beginning with “roses are red, violets are blue,” a hand-drawn picture, and a reminder of an upcoming holiday.
In Mary’s final years, she spent time traveling to the beach to look for seashells, visiting campgrounds, and playing card games – her favorites being “Go Fish” and “War.” And she was also always on the hunt for a new parade to watch.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023 at Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Glenn Clements officiating.
If considering a memorial contribution, the family requests that you choose a charity of your choice.
