Surrounded by her daughters, Lola H. McBride of Harrisonburg, age 88, passed away October 2, 2023 at Bridgewater Retirement Community’s Joy House after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
The older of two daughters of Virginia Price Hall and Dr. Charles A. Hall, Jr, Mrs. McBride was born at home in Martinsville, Virginia on September 24, 1935 where she spent her childhood years.
Mrs. McBride graduated from Martinsville High School where she was involved in many activities including serving as president of her senior class as well as playing in the marching band. Mrs. McBride was also an accomplished equestrian. Upon high school graduation, she attended Westhampton College at the University of Richmond where she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology. Mrs. McBride went on to teach biology and math at Tuckahoe Middle School in Richmond but after two years there, she met the love of her life while visiting the family’s farm in Highland County.
On August 6, 1960, Mrs. McBride was united in marriage with Henry T. “Mac” McBride who preceded her in death on August 25, 2022. After her marriage, she gave up teaching to raise a family in Harrisonburg.
The McBride’s 62-year marriage included three children, H.T. “Tal” McBride (Kelly) of Bristol, VA, Virginia M. “Ginger” Shover (Mark) of Richmond and Sallie Lynn M. Strickler (Scott) of Harrisonburg. She was both “Grandma” and “Greta” to nine grandchildren, Jessica Strickler of Richmond, Rebekah Strickler Holcombe (Brandon) of Richmond, Samuel Strickler of Harrisonburg, Chip Shover of Richmond, Abby Strickler of Arlington, Bailey Shover of Richmond and Hank, Harrison and Eva McBride all of Bristol, VA and one great grandchild, Grayson Holcombe. She is also survived by her only sister Sallie H. Seabury of Fort Myers Beach, Fl. whom she adored along with her nephews, James C. Seabury, III (Laurie), Dr. Charles A. Seabury (Julie) and niece, Susan H. Seabury. Additional survivors include numerous cousins from the maternal side of her family.
Mrs. McBride was a member of Harrisonburg Baptist Church, spending many years as a Sunday school teacher, serving as a deacon, leading Vacation Bible School and helping with the bag lunch program. Mrs. McBride had a very strong faith, which she shared through being a leader in the Bible Study Fellowship in Harrisonburg where she also made lifelong friends. She was an active member of the Massanutton Chapter of the DAR for 48 years, serving as chaplain as an extension of her faith. Through her involvement in DAR, she also participated in the naturalization ceremonies for new citizens and greatly enjoyed congratulating and welcoming them. Volunteering was an important part of Mrs. McBride’s life including the RMH Auxiliary where she delivered flowers to patients and shared cheer and encouragement. Mrs. McBride loved spending time with her many friends whether it was playing tennis, bridge or simply visiting over a cup of coffee to stay connected. She had a wonderful group of friends for over 50 years that she called her “Bridge Club”. Additionally, she kept in close contact with her high school classmates, returning to Martinsville for monthly “lunch bunch” meetings until she was no longer able to travel. A talented musician, Mrs. McBride would play the piano when attending church on weekends spent in Highland County. Her Strickler and Shover grandchildren will especially miss her amazing apple pies, which were always baked with love.
Special thanks to the loving and supportive staff at Bridgewater Retirement Community’s Joy House for the unwavering care, love and JOY provided in the final year of Mrs. McBride’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bridgewater Retirement Community Foundation Work Well Fund 302 N. Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
The family will receive friends October 24, 2023, 5-7 pm at Lindsey Funeral Home, 473 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA. Burial will be private at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
