Dr. Jan Heyn Lynch

May 8, 1947 - December 28, 2020

Dr. Jan Heyn Lynch, 73, of Salem, Va., passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Dr. Lynch began her educational career after obtaining her undergraduate degree from Columbus State University, and Master's and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she began her career at Roanoke College in Salem, Va., in 1980, and taught Psychology for nearly thirty-five years. Jan's outgoing personality is legendary throughout the RC campus. It was often said that Carol Burnette sought out Jan for pointers on being an extrovert, and Lady GaGa approached Jan for advice on fashion accessories! If you knew Jan, you knew that she loved flamingos, so much so that her sixtieth birthday surprise to everyone was a flamingo tattoo! Dr. Lynch had a special appreciation for her grandchildren, perhaps because they kept her young at heart. She and her husband, Larry loved traveling the world. Sailing was their passion on many of their adventures; one of the most memorable of these was sailing around the Greek Islands. On Monday evening, Jan set "sail again", this time reuniting with the love of her life, Dr. Larry A. Lynch. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence W., and Lucille Cromarti Heyn; and one brother, Patrick Heyn.

Those left to cherish her memory include her stepdaughter, Kimberly Lynch Cash, and husband, Anthony; grandchildren, Ryan Cash and fiancée, Kaylee, Carly Cash O'Keefe and husband, Patrick, Cullen Cash, and Braden Cash; brothers, Chris Heyn, and wife, Gail, Dennis Heyn and wife, Ann, and Michael Heyn; sister-in-law, Libby Heskett, and husband, Ken; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and her Roanoke College Family.

A celebration of life will be held for Drs. Jan and Larry Lynch when it is safe to do so.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jan Lynch

Sponsored by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

5 Entries

Mandi Calhoun Gray

January 11, 2021

Dr. Lynch was by far, my favorite professor that I had throughout my college career! I remember we had a big project due and I had printed mine to the wrong computer lab. By the time I tracked it down; I was late to class to turn it in. I walked into to class in total defeat and when she asked for my project, I replied it was late so I didn´t think she would accept it. Being sleep deprived, tears began to flow down my cheeks. She grabbed me, hugged me and told me to hand over my project.

Robert B Jones

January 11, 2021

Dr Heyn was a motivator, a beacon and an oracle. She lit up rooms and brains and had time for everyone. What a treat it was to have her as my advisor in the Psych dept in the mid '80s. She lives on in our collective memories and was a superb human!

Brucie Boggs

January 11, 2021

Chip Dondrea and I are so very saddened that Jan has passed away. She was a dear friend, and knowing her was a pure joy. We were so fortunate to have spent many delightful occasions with Jan and Larry. We send our heartfelt condolences to Jan’s family. May memories of Jan’s exuberant spirit, kindness, insights and humor comfort the many who grieve her loss.

Virginia R Dick

January 3, 2021

Jan was my first mentor and one of the most dear friends and teachers in my life. While I miss the opportunity to tell her in person all she meant to me and the influence she has had.... I am sure she knows.... it was her influence during my undergraduate years that stayed with me throughout my life and has been a major influence in my constant search for the life that feels most authentic and real and the knowledge that it is possible to find that life even (especially) if it is a little out of sync.... :) ( I also credit her and Larry with my love of all things Buffett and the encouraging my entrepreneur spirit).... So much love for them both!!

Vannessa Carter

January 3, 2021

This news breaks my heart. We all have that one teacher or professor who really makes a difference in our lives....Dr Heyn was that professor for me. I even went to Univ of Georgia for my masters because that is where she went.

What joy and sunshine she was! It is sad to think about a world without that light. God speed Dr Heyn! You meant so much to so many!

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