Mary Virginia Lamb

Carmel Highlands/Salinas

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary V. Lamb at the age of 67 while a patient at Eden Vally Healthcare in Soledad, CA. Mary’s passing was quiet and peaceful after an almost year-long battle with strokes and seizures. With her ever-present smile and kind and peaceful demeaner, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary was born in 1955 at the old Monterey Hospital on Hartnell Street in Monterey, CA. She was the eighth child of Ann Catherine Lamb (Casati) and Alton E. Lamb, Sr. She attended San Carlos School for her elementary education and then attended Junipero Memorial High School for grades 9 and 10 until the school closed. She transferred to Monterey High School and graduated in 1973.

Mary enlisted into the U.S. Navy in May of 1974 and served our Nation for approximately 18 ½ years until January 3, 1993 when she separated from naval service after almost two years of sea service aboard the replenishment ammunition ship USS SHASTA AE33. Mary was one of the first cohorts of women to serve aboard a combat logistics ship, and she was a leading petty officer for a small group of women who served at sea in the Persian Gulf during wartime aka Operation Desert Storm.

Mary was originally trained and served as a Navy Steward before becoming a Mess Management Specialist. She was trained in cooking, baking, dining, and living area management; she worked in the “mess hall” serving meals to sailors and Marines in Hawaii and at the Naval Training Center in San Diego as well as managing the Bachelor Officers’ Quarters in Point Loma. Later Mary served as a detailer in Washington, DC at the Bureau of Naval Personnel helping to find the ideal candidates for various jobs and duties to meet the “needs of the Navy.” She then formally transferred into the Navy Career Counselor rating where she continued to guide enlisted sailors in the development of their careers.

Mary received two Navy Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Battle “E” awards, the sea service deployment ribbon for service in South West Asia and the Kuwait Liberation, and a Navy Unit Commendation.

After Mary separated from the US Navy she worked for the County of Monterey as a Child Support Officer for 28 years. Her dedication and commitment, hard work, and loyalty to her job made a difference to so many children’s well-being.

Mary is survived by her daughter Jennifer Yarber of Salinas; son Carlos Yarber, Jr. of

Fremont, CA; granddaughter Neveah Hernandez, and grandson Rio Alvarado of Salinas. She is also survived by her sisters Cathy Lamb and Jennifer Lamb of Carmel Highlands, her brothers Alton Jr. (Amelia) of Georgetown, TX; Douglas of Marina; Dale (Kat) of Seaside; Charlie (Lisa) of Kaysville, UT; and Jeff of Spreckels. She was pre-deceased by her parents Ann and Alton (Bud) Lamb and two of her seven brothers, Earl known as “Buddy,” and Darrell.

There will be a Catholic Requiem Funeral Mass Monday, August 21st, at 10 AM at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church Street, Monterey with burial at the San Carlos Catholic Cemetery, 792 Fremont Street, Monterey following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mary’s name to her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

On the day of Mary's funeral and cemetery services we will have a Gathering for Breakfast or Lunch after services at the Black Bear Diner, 2450 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940. Please join us to meet Mary's family and to share your memories of her with her children, grandchildren, and her family.

Any questions can be directed to Cathy Ann Lamb, home: 831-625-6194.