With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Lillie Mae Church, 83, of Powhatan, VA. She was our beloved matriarch, and the heart and soul of our family.

Mae was truly the glue that held us all together. She was everything to everyone in our family, whatever you needed, she was that. Whether it was gentle guidance or a firm voice, she always knew exactly how to support and care for those she loved. Her home was more than just a place, it was a sanctuary. In her arms, you felt safe, loved, and protected. There was never a moment of doubt about how deeply she loved us; she made sure we knew we were loved every second of every day. Her love was truly unconditional.

She showed that love in countless ways, including the simple, steady act of connection. She called her children and grandchildren every single day, just to check in, to listen, and to remind them they were loved.

She lived her life with unwavering selflessness, always putting her family first. She made sure everyone had what they needed, and often what they wanted, without ever asking for anything in return. She was strong, independent, and worked hard to build a life she was proud of, and she took even greater pride in her family. Her strength, kindness, and steady support carried generations through both joyful and difficult times. To know her was to feel cared for and loved deeply.

For 48 years, Mae dedicated herself to driving a school bus, but her role in the community went far beyond that. She offered the people in her community the same love, and warmth she gave her own family. Countless lives were touched by her warm spirit and watchful care.

She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a cherished grandmother, great grandmother, a loving aunt, and known to many as Nanny. Her presence brought comfort and joy, and being near her simply made life feel better. She had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged.

Mae found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to dance, filling rooms with laughter and light. She expressed her love through cooking and baking, creating memories around her table, especially with her famous applesauce cakes and banana pudding, which will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

She was also a woman of great grace and forgiveness, always choosing love, even when it wasn’t easy. She made sure that each of us knew we would be loved no matter what.

While our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the legacy she leaves behind, a legacy of love, strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to family. We will carry her with us in everything we do.

Mae is survived by her two children Theresa August & Robert A. Church. Her eight grandchildren: Christina Dowe (William), Randolph F. Church Jr., Amanda Church, Ashley Abbott (Jeffrey), Edward Church, Russell Church, Nicholas Church, and Matthew Church. Her seven great grandchildren: Summer Church, Ayden Church, Ella Dowe, Ethan Dowe, Coltyn Church, Adrianne Church, and Addilynn Church. Her two nephews Phillip E. Overman Jr. and Donald E. Overman and her brother Phillip E. Overman. She was preceded in death by her parents Lillie June Overman and Edward Merle Overman, her husband Robert F. Church, her children Linda Ann Church and Randolph F. Church, and her grandchildren Jonathon Church and Christopher Church.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home 3215 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA 23139 on Friday, May 1, 2026 5 pm-7 pm.

She was, and always will be, the very best of us and we will love and miss her forever.