Mary Elizabeth VanDyke

It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of Mary Elizabeth Van Dyke “Sis” of Lynchburg, Virginia on September 23, 2025. She was 99 years old at her passing and is now in arms of Jesus, for which we give thanks.

Sis was born in Tazewell, Virginia on March 6, 1926, to R. O. Van Dyke, Sr. and Mary E. Van Dyke, both of Tazewell, Virginia. In many ways, Sis was a pioneer for her time as she attended the University of North Carolina Greensboro, UNCG, as an undergraduate and subsequently received two graduate degrees, the first from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and the second from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Following her formal education, Sis was an instructor in physical education at UNCG for many years and later pursued a successful career in real estate in Greensboro, North Carolina. She loved golf, basketball, tennis, and promoted women’s sports throughout her active life. In 2011, Sis moved to Westminster Canterbury, Lynchburg, Virginia to be closer to family.

Most importantly, Sis was a very kind, generous, forgiving, and joyful person. She was gifted with great wisdom and frequently primed to share an interesting, often humorous story. She was always ready to help anyone in need and did so on numerous occasions. Sis loved her family, friends, her business, and her home in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was adored and cherished by all who knew her. Sis was a deeply spiritual person and was very active in her church, Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro and later regularly attended services at Westminster Canterbury.

Sis was preceded in death by her parents R. O. Van Dyke, Sr. and Mary E. Van Dyke, Mollie, her brothers Ralph and wife Dorothy, William and wife Sue, Claude and wife Bettye, R. O., Jr., and sister Virginia Mae Van Dyke Kenny and husband Harley, and nieces Laura Kinney, Linda Van Dyke Moore, and Dorella Van Dyke Zivan. She is survived by her sister-in-law Bonnie Van Dyke, wife of R. O. Van Dyke, Jr. and many nieces and nephews and their families as well as her dog Bizzy.

Our family would like to give immense thanks and gratitude to the staff at Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg for the loving care provided Sis during her time there and especially to personal care giver Brenda Turpin, who became part of our family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Mary Elizabeth Van Dyke’s memory may be made to the Employee’s Assistant Fund, Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg, 501 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24503 or to Centra Health Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501, designated for area of highest need.

A memorial service will be held on October 17, 2025, at 1:30 pm at the chapel at Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg with Chaplin William Deal officiating. A reception Westminster will follow the service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.