Mary Powell Carlton Stear LaMoyne

Mary Powell Carlton Stear La Moyne, passed gently to the arms of God on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Mary was born December 6, 1925. Mary was a native of Mississippi but moved to Virginia as a young bride during World War II. Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles Hiram and Maria Tressie Hollis Powell; her brothers, Charles Powell (Ruth), John Powell (Martha); and her sister, Juanita Godfrey (Norm), and brother-in-law, Jim Thornton. Her youngest sister, Bettye Thornton survives her.

Family was central to Mary's life. She has three wonderful marriages, full of laughter and love. Her husbands preceded her in death: C. Douglas Carlton, David S. Stear, and F. Glen La Moyne. Mary reveled in her extended family that continued to grow and cherished all the children that she gathered to herself as part of her marriages: Deborah Carlton Loftis (David), Pamela S. Wilkinson (Claude), Davene Butterworth (Ed), Gail Hicks (Randy) and Gary La Moyne (Traci). Treasured grandchildren are Jessica Powell Loftis, deceased, David Wilkinson (Wellons), Kristen Conroy (Brendan), Christopher Winters, Andrew Winters, Emily Hicks, Stephanie Hicks Fuller (Evan), Marshall La Moyne (Lainey), and Leigh La Moyne. Mary treasured also a host of nieces and nephews stretching over three generations. In addition, Mary loved as a son, J.D. Steele, a lifelong family friend.

In addition to caring for her family, Mary has a brilliant career in banking in Richmond, She started as an executive secretary at the Bank of Virginia in 1958 and rose through the ranks, breaking a number of glass ceilings to retire in 1990 as Executive Vice President of Signet Bank, in charge of the Human Relations Department.

Mary also led a life of Christian faith, active in giving and serving. She was a faithful member of Bon Air Baptist Church for fifty years. In her earlier years, Mary served on a number of committees and sang in the choir. In her later years, through her daughter, Deborah, Mary was well-known and loved at Grace Baptist Church. She eagerly accepted opportunities to meet particular needs locally or more widely in the world. When confronted with a need, her response was always, "How can I help?"

Mary's loving and cheerful spirit stayed with her to the end. She loved living at Lakewood retirement community, where she resided for 9 years. When she began to need help, she had the very best team of caregivers surrounding her. The family wishes to thank Delores Hunter, who cared for Mary in various capacities for 22 years. Mary loved her as a daughter. Debbie Beach, Sharon Groome, and Cheryl Stanley, each cared for Mary for over 8 years. For the last four years, Cameron Oglesby of Senior Insights, provided skilled and caring persons to round out the team attending to Mary's care. This group of dedicated individuals enabled Mary to remain in her home, which increased her quality of life and likely extended her years with us. We also want to thank Traditions Hospice for their services and excellent nursing that made Mary's last few weeks more comfortable.

A visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. The family also receive friends on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, with her service beginning at 11:00 AM. She will be laid to rest privately in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. The family requests that strict Covid-19 protocols of mask wearing and social distancing be followed at all times.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the family.