Lois Ann McGuire Durrette

Lois Ann McGuire Durrette, age 87, of Richmond, passed away at home on October 11, 2021. She was born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia. Soon after graduating from Lynchburg College, she accepted a position with the Reynolds Metal Company, and moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1958, choosing to live on Grove Avenue, in The Fan. Remaining in Richmond, she married and raised her family. Throughout her adult life, she was an active member of Laurel Hill United Methodist Church, a founding member of Varina Woman's Club, and a member of Tree Hill Club, Stitch Wits, and other organizations. She was especially fond of antiques, Christmas collectibles, and cross-stitching. Her home was filled with all of the above, having spent countless hours busy with her handiwork, visiting antique stores, and shopping for ornaments at Thalhimers, Miller & Rhoads, and Christmas for You. She also enjoyed traveling and entertaining family and friends for many years in her home. She retired from Schnabel Engineering, Inc., in 1994. In 2008, she left retirement and became employed with Nelsen Funeral Home part-time. She truly loved her hostess position there, especially serving many local families, most of whom she knew, at numerous funeral receptions. Lois Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sanford Durrette, Jr. (1999); parents, Harry T. McGuire (1995) and Lottie O'Dell Roach McGuire (1981) of Axton, Virginia; as well as Julia Wray Ascough (1981) and Pocahontas Wray (1980), of Martinsville, Virginia, both of whom served important roles throughout her upbringing. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Robert Sanford Durrette, III; daughter, Jane McGuire Durrette; four grandchildren, Stanford Scott Durrette, McGuire Elizabeth Clarke Greve (Dustin), Gillian Elizabeth Durrette, and George Christian Clarke; great-granddaughter, Joslyn Ruby Greve, whom she referred to as "my baby," who brought her much joy after her birth on May 1, 2021; sister, Julia Mae McGuire Compton (Larry) of Smith Mountain Lake, Penhook, VA; brother-in-law, James Runkle Durrette, Sr. (Betty) of Gloucester, VA; as well as numerous much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many special friends. She developed big love for her shared dog, Natalie, and her kitty, Teeny-Bit, both of whom kept constant watch, provided comfort, and stayed very close to her until she left us. The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Laurel Hill United Methodist Church, Route 5, Varina, at 2:00 p.m., with interment following at Washington Memorial Park. Afterwards, a funeral reception will be held at the Reception Center at Nelsen's, 4660 S. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. The family wishes to thank Henrico County Fire Department for their professionalism every time they provided assistance to Mama and Daddy over the years; Drew Jones, M.D., Michael Manetas, M.D., and Gerald Quirk, M.D., for their care and guidance; and all of the exceptional nurses with Bon Secours Mercy Health Hospice. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Henrico Firefighters and Families Charitable Foundation at www.hffcf.com or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.