Mary Hunter Gunn

Mary Hunter Edmunds Gourdon Gunn, 92, of Harrisonburg, passed away peacefully at Rockingham Memorial Hospital Saturday February 25, 2012. She was born June 28, 1919, in Danville, Virginia and was the daughter of the late William Russell Edmunds and Lillie Davis Edmunds. She was a graduate of George Washington High School in Danville and later graduated from Stratford College and Longwood College. She served as class valedictorian at all three institutions. In 1974, she was awarded a Masters of Education from Madison College, now James Madison University.

On August 17, 1942, Mrs. Gunn married Lieutenant Paul Emile Gourdon, Jr. Lieutenant Gourdon was killed at the Battle of Saint Lo, France, in the invasion of Normandy, July 1944. On September 11, 1948, she married William B. Gunn who preceded her in death on July 16, 2011. She is also preceded in death by her brother, William Russell Edmunds, Jr. and her sister, Carol Edmunds Browder.

Mrs. Gunn served as librarian of Harrisonburg High School from 1963 until 1981 when she retired from that position. She was passionate about providing resources to students and was known for “running a very tight ship.” Mrs. Gunn later served for seven years as librarian for the law firm of Wharton, Aldhizer, and Weaver. She served for 12 years as librarian of Asbury United Methodist Church where she had been a member since coming to Harrisonburg.

From 1981 until 1993, Mrs. Gunn served on the Board of Trustees of the Massanutten Regional Library. She belonged to the RMH Auxiliary and volunteered in the gift shop for many years. She was a member of the Harrisonburg Women’s Club, the Colonial Garden Club, and the Spotswood Country Club.

Mrs. Gunn is survived by three children, Mary Hunter Corbett and her husband, Andy, of Smithfield, NC, William B. Gunn Jr. of Bow, NH, and Courtland Meyer and her husband, John, of Harrisonburg. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Paul Corbett and his wife, Alicia, of Graham, NC, Joshua Olsen and his wife, Grace, of Washington, D.C., Sarah Corbett West and her husband, Troy, of Raleigh, NC, Sean Gunn of Somerville, NJ, William Gunn III of Plymouth, NH, Ted Meyer of Fairfax, VA, and Sally Meyer of Harrisonburg. Mrs. Gunn is survived by two great grandsons, Max Bridger Olsen and Connor Harris West.

In addition, Mrs. Gunn is survived by her sister-in-law, Lucy Edmunds of Hagerstown, MD, a nephew, Kent Edmunds of West Palm Beach, FL, and two nieces, Helen Cheyney of Danville,VA and Irma Bagby of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

She will be remembered for her love of family and learning. Mrs. Gunn was an avid reader and continually sought additional education that would help her be a better librarian to those she served. She loved gardening, traveling, animals, and entertaining in her lovely home.

Friends are invited to come to 924 Oak Hill Drive from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Monday, February 27, 2012. A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 2:00 pm. with the Rev. Kathleen Overby Webster officiating. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or Massanutten Regional Library, 174 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.