Sarah Jane Lemley

Sarah Jane Lemley, 86, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on October 26, 2026. Born March 19, 1940, Sarah lived with steady devotion to home and family, and will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by those who knew and loved her.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Albert Chenault Sr. and Mary Maggie Chenault; her brother, Melvin Albert Chenault Jr.; her sister, Mary Lucille Phillips; and her brother-in-law, David Luther Phillips.

In her working life, Sarah was a Machine Operator with American Filterona, a role she carried out with the quiet diligence and reliability that marked so much of her life.

Sarah found joy in the simple comforts that made a house a home. She liked flowers, enjoyed watching Westerns, and was, in the best sense of the word, a homebody—content in familiar places and daily routines. She also loved horses, and in 1956, at the age of 16, she was part of the youngest jockey-owner team to place at Strawberry Hill, a remarkable early moment that reflected her determination and love for the sport. Above all, she loved taking care of her son, a devotion that remained at the center of her life.

Sarah is survived by her son, Robert W. Lemley; her nephew, Keith Chenault; and her niece, Evelyn Chenault.

A Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.