Joan Rawley Myers Mason
Joan Rawley Myers Mason, 92, died April 1, 2025, at the Bridgewater Retirement Community. She was born March 11, 1933, in Bridgewater, the daughter of the late G. Elmer and Lillian Miller Myers.
After graduating from Bridgewater High School in 1950, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics at Bridgewater College in 1954. Later that summer, on Aug. 8, she married Marion E. Mason, sealing a relationship that began when they met as teenaged summer campers. Mr. Mason died Jan. 22, 2025, after over 70 years of marriage.
She is survived by a son, George L. Mason of Bridgewater, and two daughters, Ann M. Mason of Falls Church, Va., and Karen L. Mason of Bellevue, Wash. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her identical twin sister, Joyce Myers Beard, and a younger sister, Dorothy Myers Godwin.
Mrs. Mason taught home economics in Botetourt County and later earned her library science certification through coursework at Madison College (now James Madison University), preparing her to serve a school librarian in Amherst County. She was a voracious reader who encouraged her children to read through weekly trips to the Lynchburg library.
She was an accomplished seamstress and served as a judge for 4-H sewing competitions. Her skills ranged from making doll clothes for her daughters and nieces to custom outfits for her young daughters to taking tailoring classes to make her own couture coat. She also was a Girl Scout leader specializing in badges for sewing and cooking.
She had an affinity for collecting and making stuffed bears. She also enjoyed other creative pursuits including oil painting, pottery and refinishing furniture.
Travel experiences reflected her personal interests. In London, she enjoyed afternoon tea as she usually did at home, too, just more elegantly in London. She enjoyed frequent visits to Colonial Williamsburg when she was able. A trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate her 75th birthday was an especially fond memory.
The Masons were active in the Church of the Brethren congregations where they lived - in Lynchburg and in Bridgewater, where they enjoyed working together on the Wednesday evening meals committee. They also partnered in service to their alma mater, Bridgewater College.
Known as resilient and strong-willed, Mrs. Mason adapted to failing eyesight and other chronic health issues. She often needed to operate by touch or sound, not by sight as her eyesight failed. She exerted a level of independence as long as she could until declining physical strength and eyesight otherwise denied her.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to community organizations the Masons supported: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, PO Box 937, Verona, Va. 24482, and Bridgewater Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 268, Bridgewater, Va. 22812.
Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater is assisting the family with arrangements.
