Obituaries

Mary Darrah Turner Via, age 91, of Henry, Virginia, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount, Virginia. She was born on April 3, 1934, to the late Hillman Turner and Emma Shumate Turner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Harvey “John Henry” Turner.

Darrah was a proud graduate of Henry High School in Henry, Virginia, and Perry Business School in Martinsville, Virginia. She retired from the Materials Management Department at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County after 27 years of dedicated service.

A faithful and devoted member of Fort Trial Baptist Church in Stanleytown, Virginia for nearly 50 years, Darrah was active in the Winsome Women Sunday School Class, the Flower Committee, and the Bereavement Food Team. Her love for God and church was reflected in her servant's heart and unwavering dedication to her church family.

Darrah had a deep-rooted pride in the Henry community, where she was instrumental in organizing and fundraising for the Henry Fire Department until her health declined. One of her greatest joys and accomplishments was the restoration of her grandparents' home in Henry—a labor of love she shared with her late husband, Glen. Hosting the extended family Thanksgiving dinner in that treasured home was one of her proudest traditions.

She loved her family dearly and shared a special bond with her cousins, keeping their family history alive through stories and memories that spanned generations. Darrah had a gift for cooking and was always ready with a homemade casserole or dessert for a neighbor, church member, or community friend. She also had a love for flowers and gardening, finding joy in the beauty of her yard and the bounty of her vegetable garden.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pamela Via Foley (Ronald); her son, Timothy Glenn Via (Jacqueline); and her beloved grandson, Dr. Garrhett Glenn Via (Colleen). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lois Via Jarrett (Marshall); her niece, Vickie Turner Smith (Michael); her nephew, Barry Marshall Jarrett (Amy); along with many extended family members and friends.

The Via family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sarah Campbell and the entire staff at Fork Mountain Adult Home for their compassionate care of Darrah in her later years.

In lieu of flowers, Darrah requested that memorial donations be made to the Fort Trial Baptist Church Building Fund, 170 Oak Level Road, Stanleytown, VA 24168.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Daniel Reed officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Via family.