Mary Webb

1939 - 2025

WEBB, Mary Frances Wright, 86, died at home on November 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 7, 1939 in Richmond to Olive Frances Wright and Hunter Samuel Wright, Mary left Aiken, South Carolina to go to Duke University in 1958 on a merit scholarship. She met the love of her life, William Webb Jr, in the VCU bookstore one summer, and transferred to finish her studies in math at the University of Richmond in 1964.

Mary and Bill spent their married lives in the Richmond area and were one of the first residents of Brandermill in 1975, eventually settling in Goochland with their children Hunter and Jennie. Consummate travelers, they began touring Europe in 1963 in a Volkswagen Beetle, ultimately visiting over 30 countries with family and friends. Much of their travels involved hiking in Europe but also sailing and skiing. After Bill passed, Mary continued her adventures with her family and treasured friend, Jean Reid.

If you asked Mary about her career, she was typically self-effacing, saying "Well, I never did much", but she was a true pioneer as one of a handful of women computer programmers in the 60s. She spent decades writing code in Basic, Cobol and Fortran for various companies including AH Robbins, Southern States, Mcguire, Woods and Battle and the CIA, for which she had special security clearance.

In her retirement she was active at Hebron Church, her Goochland book club, Goochland Republican Women, Master Gardeners and Meals on Wheels. Mary was co-owner of "Fox Hunt Farms" with her sister Drew and they spent many hours on cooking and quilting projects.

Mary was an accomplished musician, serving as her church's organist in her teens. Her love of music endured and she was a regular attendee of the Richmond Symphony. She was a brilliant seamstress, making Jennie's prom dresses, Halloween costumes, matching PJs for grandchildren, and theatre costumes.

She was never happier than when planning, planting and harvesting in her garden with daughter Jennie and taking her daily walk with son Hunter and his dog Blue. Living on "Compound W", the family farm in Manakin-Sabot, with her extended family was a dream come true and a gift to all of us.

Surrounded by family, she was always an eager caregiver, clocking many hours making fabulous meals and driving grandchildren around. Over the years, she tackled any cooking project you can name. We will miss her ginger cookies, angel biscuits and endless other favorites.

To be in Mary's presence was to enjoy her calm demeanor, her cheerful attitude and ever-present smile. Always present to the joys of life, she savored every meal and every minute spent with family and friends.

Mary is predeceased by her spouse William Webb Jr. and her sister, Ethyl Drew Weeks.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law Hunter and Kirsten Webb and her daughter and son in law, Jennie and Jim Wright.; and six grandchildren, Caroline and Natalie Webb, and Mary (and Matt) Campbell, Gavin (and Malone) Wright, Alyssa Wright and Sarah Wright. Her niece Shannon Taylor (Charles) and nephew Warren Weeks (LeeAnne). She is also survived by her good companion, Bob Oakes.

A service of remembrance will be held at Hebron Presbyterian Church, 1040 Shallow Well Road, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103 at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday January 10th.

In lieu of flowers, family request a donation to Goochland Cares, or Hebron Presbyterian Church.