Lucy Hunter Cardwell

Lucy Hunter Smith Cardwell, devoted wife, mother, and Meemaw, departed her earthly life on December 17, 2023, in Richmond, VA. Lucy was born in Grundy, VA, on August 7, 1929, the oldest of four children, to the late Judge Frank Smith and Avee Chiles Smith.

After graduating from Grundy High School, she attended Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) where she earned a degree in Psychology. It was there on a blind date that she met her beloved husband, the late Bennett Beckham Cardwell, Jr. They married in 1952, and lived first in Dahlgren, Virginia where she worked at The Naval Proving Grounds, and then Akron, Ohio, before making their permanent home on Mimosa Drive in Lynchburg where they raised four children and welcomed nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Over the years Lucy was a faithful member of Inglewood Baptist Church, Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Suburban Woman’s Club (charter member), Transplants Living to Care, AGLOW, and River Road United Methodist Church. Rarely, if ever, seen in a pair of pants, she was an avid reader of classic literature and lover of movies, diligently kept up with world events on CSPAN, and often wrote letters to her elected representatives. She was always available to read a book to her grandchildren, and her subscription to People magazine kept everyone well informed of the latest celebrity and Royal news.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Harman, and her faithful companion, Fluffy. She leaves to cherish her memory and live by her example, a brother, Frank Smith, a sister, Frances Schoeninger and husband Doug, two daughters, Ellen Reaves and husband Randy, and Janet Graham and husband Barry, two sons, John Cardwell and wife Sarah, and Joe Cardwell and wife Esther; grandchildren: Mike Reaves and wife Emily, Teddy Cardwell and husband Don Fuss, John Reaves, Sara Roan, Russell Graham, Sally Logan and husband Kyle, Avee Stoll and husband Jonathon, Naomi Cardwell, Elijah Cardwell, and Nehemiah Cardwell; great-grandchildren: Bernie Belle Reaves-Roan, Bennett and Will Logan, Blue Reaves, and Thomas and Bennett Fuss; and brothers-in-law Sam Cardwell, and Will Cardwell and wife Dolly. The family is very thankful for the loving care from the staff at Spring Arbor Cottages.

There will be a celebration of Lucy’s life and love for her family and friends on Friday, December 29th at 2 pm at River Road United Methodist Church, Richmond, VA and a graveside service at Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 1 pm. Donations to Central Virginia Kidney Association, PO Box 541, Madison Heights, VA 24572 to help the food pharmacy, will bring her great joy.