Mary Lane (Stembridge) Travis

Mary Lane Stembridge Travis, 86, of Asheville, NC, passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, after a decline in health for the past few months. She was adored by her husband and family, for whom she was a constant source of love and resource for strength; and beloved by friends and neighbors, whom she welcomed into her home and to her table.

Mary Lane was born in Danville, VA, a daughter of the late Robert Leigh Stembridge, Jr. and the late Mary Lou Hylton Stembridge. She was a graduate of George Washington High School and Averett University, Danville, VA; and Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC. Upon graduation, she served as the youth coordinator at Ginter Park United Methodist Church in Richmond, VA and taught early elementary school in Richmond. Mary Lane and her future husband, John, met in high school, found each other again in Richmond, VA; and were married at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in Danville. They raised their three children in Arlington, VA, where she was an active member of Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ. She was a wonderful and accomplished cook and hostess, and she earned certification as a Master Gardener. She loved reading and was a prolific letter writer, keeping family and friends connected. The couple retired to Asheville, where she thrived at Jubilee! Community Church and gave comfort and support to many people as a volunteer for NAMI Western Carolina, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

She is survived by her husband, John Hines Travis, and two daughters, Sara McAlpine (Douglas) and Mary Lou Travis (Ralph Mosher); a sister, Rosalind Stembridge Morton (Sonny); two grandsons, William Adkins and Stuart McAlpine; a granddaughter, Sarah Cromer; a niece, Margaret Rose (Peggy) O’Sheel; and a nephew, Robert Crowe.  In addition to her parents, Mary Lane was predeceased by her son, John H. Travis, Jr., and her sister, Sarah Ellen Stembridge Crowe. The entire family recognizes the compassionate care given to Mary Lane by Bayada Home Health Care, CarePartners Health Services, and Home Instead Senior Care.

A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville, VA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Jubilee! Community Church, 46 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801; or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Western Carolina, 356 Biltmore Ave., Suite 207, Asheville, NC 28801).

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