Victoria Searls Traylor

A pillar of her community, a dedicated servant of the Lord, a steward of the Commonwealth, and a faithful family member and friend, Victoria “Vicky” Searls Traylor, 71, loved life and left an everlasting legacy that impacted many. On July 29, 2025, Victoria saw her Christian faith become sight after fighting complications from cancer.

Victoria was known by family and friends for her beauty, creativity, dedication, grace, generosity, passion, service, strength and talents. She was loved by many and will be missed greatly. She lived a life of service working for the Commonwealth of Virginia for over twenty-one years and most recently as the business manager for Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville, VA for the past thirteen years. She spent countless hours helping her church and others with counseling, decorating, mentoring, planning, and so much more.

Victoria is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rose Searls. She is survived by her husband of thirty-one years, William H. Traylor, Jr. She is also survived by her son, Thomas J. Kohlbeck (Christina); stepson, Troy Traylor; sister, Cynthia S. Backus (Robert); two sisters-in-law Sonya Arnold and Lauren Marion, five step grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends. Other individuals close to Victoria’s heart were Rev. Darcey Johnson, Gunnar Kohlbeck, Linda Hayes, Sally Arbogast, and Shawn Barnes. The family would like to thank the entire medical staff at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), for their dedication and compassion in caring for Victoria. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of her are asked to be made to the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Box 843042 Richmond, VA 23284-3042.

The family will receive friends from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Woody Funeral Home – Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 8209 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111 followed by a reception.

A private interment will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park on Friday, August 22, 2025.