Mary Lee (Guyer) Lynch
Former lifelong resident of White Sulphur Springs, Mary Lee (Guyer) Lynch, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mary, a loving and cherished mother of three children, devoted wife, and friend to many Spa City residents, was 97.
Born on February 24, 1928, Mary Lee was one of eight Guyer children born to Grover Cleveland and Effie Lealia (Matheny) Guyer of Dry Creek Road. In 1946, she was courted by a handsome young Army lieutenant who became the love of her life. She and David Lewis Lynch were married on April 6, 1947, and lived most of their marriage at 58 Rowan Road in White Sulphur Springs, while “Lew” worked at The Greenbrier.
For more than seven decades, Mary was a beloved member of the White Sulphur Springs Presbyterian Church. During that time, she served in nearly every capacity, but loved leading the ladies’ church circle the most. Her presence was a steady light in the congregation, and her strong faith was an inspiration to those that knew her. She also served as a long time member of both the White Sulphur Springs Garden Club and Women’s Club.
Mary Lee loved to be outside, cutting grass on her riding mower, tending to her many flower gardens, and the large vegetable garden that was on her property. Neighbors on Huddleston Hill knew well that “sunset” did not dissuade her in her efforts. Because of this and other reasons, family members commonly referred to her as “The Rock.” She raised her children with grace and an abundance of love, instilling in them compassion, humility, and service. Mary and her sister, Martha, were devoted to the care of her mother, until her passing in 1992. In later years, she would often say that “she was worn down to just a pebble,” but in reality, she had an abundance of grit and self-determination. She endured many challenges in her life to include the passing of her daughter, Carol, at the age of 19, in an automobile accident; the passing of her oldest granddaughter, Lorie, at the age of 37; and the two-and-a-half-year Covid lockdown in an assisted living facility. Through all of life’s trials, she never lost her faith or her trust in God’s divine wisdom.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, David Lewis “Lew” Lynch; her eldest daughter, Rita Carol Lynch; and her granddaughter, Lorie Suzanne Liptrap of Myrtle Beach. Mary was also preceded in death by all of her siblings and their spouses – Harry Curtis Guyer of Charleston, WV; Alene Frances Guyer Robinson (Allen) of Kokomo, IN; Stanley Paul Guyer (KIA in 1943 during WWII); Doris Evangeline Guyer Shaw (Ed) of Orange County, CA; Martha (Mart) Nathelia Guyer Mazey (Paul) of White Sulphur Springs; Betty Jane Guyer Calfee (Fred) of Greenwood, SC; and Sara Louise Guyer Cobble (Don) of Stanton, VA.
She is survived by her two children, Janet D. Lynch Windon (Les) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and LTC(R) David L. Lynch, II (Kim) of Queen Creek, AZ; as well as five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and the Lynch family honorary daughter, Barbara (Arbogast) Lancaster of Roanoke, VA.
A celebration of Mary Lee’s life is being planned for late summer, as a graveside service conducted at Hillcrest Community Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs, WV.
