FRANKLIN–Mary Lucrece Crumb Baynard, 93, passed away April 13, 2011 at Maryview Nursing Care Center in Suffolk.

She was born on September 1, 1917, in Oyster on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the daughter of the late Edgar Alvin and Nell Howlett Crumb, and was predeceased by a brother, Edgar Alvin Crumb, Jr. and a grandson, Max Parker Bradford.  Mrs. Baynard was a graduate of Norfolk General Hospital School of Professional Nursing and worked for many years as a Registered Nurse at Southampton Memorial Hospital, serving as Operating Room supervisor and in later years in the recovery room until retirement.  For 60 years, Mrs. Baynard was a dedicated, active member of High Street United Methodist Church in Franklin where she served on many committees, and was a long time member of the United Methodist Women.

Mary was a steady support and true friend to so many, always willing to help when needed in any way she could. Blessed with a keen mind and appreciation for the comical side of life, she could be counted on to find something positive or at least consoling in tough times.  She had a wonderful sense of humor, a very quick wit and the ability to find joy in all situations.  Mary’s children were and will always be truly blessed to have had her steady guidance and unconditional love.  Their memories of her and how she lived will continue to shape their lives.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Judith B. Bradford of Richmond and Marblehead, MA, and Nell B. Bartel (Robert) of Chesapeake; two sons, Charles M. Baynard (Pamela) of Suffolk and Benjamin M. Baynard (Robin Morgan) of Capron; nine grandchildren, Frances Bradford, Jason Dorsey, Amy, Nathan, Melvin, Matthew, Michael, and Benjamin Baynard and Mary Catherine Whitley; and five great-grandchildren, Rachel, Victoria, Andrew & Bethany Baynard and Max Dorsey.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 pm Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at High Street United Methodist Church by The Rev. Ed Johnson and The Rev. Warner Crumb, brother of the deceased.  A private Interment will follow in Poplar Spring Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, April 25, 2011, at 7:00pm, at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin.  Memorial donations may be made to High Street United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 218, Franklin, VA. 23851. Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org.