It is with deep sadness tempered by love, hope, and joy that the family of Marthalea Thompson Osburn announces her passing on October 24, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia.
While she will undoubtedly be missed by anyone who came into her life she leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience and dedication to her family, her friends, and her community. Over the course of her nine decades, through seasons of plenty as well as those marked by deep loss and pain, she never wavered from her core mission, to reflect God’s selfless love to those around her.
Lea is predeceased by her parents Murray and Naoma “Jo” Thompson, her sisters Virginia Thompson Paarfus and Nancy Jo Thompson, her husband Willard Chew Osburn, Jr., and her nephew Edward C. “Jeb” Paarfus III. Surviving Lea are her daughter Neill (Bryan) DeLaney, son Willard (Barbara) Osburn III; grandchildren Matthew (Erin) DeLaney, Walt (Andrea) DeLaney, Maggie (Joel) DeLaney Stampley, Kellen (Karah) Osburn, Jessi Osburn; great-grandchildren Mary Afton DeLaney, Virginia DeLaney, Emerson DeLaney, Ben Stampley; niece Virginia “Ginna” (Bill) Paarfus Zell, and nephews Tom (Diane) Paarfus, and Rick (Anne) Paarfus.
Lea was born on February 6, 1929 in Stuart,Virginia and lived there most of her early life, leaving only to attend Westhampton College where, among other things, she was a proud member of the varsity basketball team. In 1964, she moved with her family to Richmond where she lived out the majority of her adult years. After teaching elementary school for over forty years, primarily at Robious Elementary School and Collegiate in Richmond, and at Frederick Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland, Lea became a tireless volunteer and dedicated over twenty years of service to The Virginia Museum , St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, and Manakin Episcopal Church. She leaves behind not only her own personal legacy but also stands as a signpost pointing to those things in this world that are true, life-giving, and eternal.
Our family would especially like to thank the staff and residents of Westminster Canterbury retirement community in Richmond for all the love and support they have shown our mother over the past 11 years. The network of friends and the employees she encountered over her years living there made her feel included and cherished.
Funeral services will be held 11:00, Friday, December 3, 2021 at Manakin Episcopal Church and will be simulcast to Westminster Canterbury and streamed on YouTube for anyone unable to attend in person. At 2:00 that afternoon, there will be a reception at Westminster Canterbury to celebrate Lea’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Manakin Episcopal Church , 985 Huguenot Trail, Midlothian, VA 23113 or Feed More, 1415 Rhoadmiller St., Richmond, VA 23220.
