Mary Virginia Stanford was born on May 3, 1923 in Apalachicola, FL, and passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022 in her home in Colonial Beach, VA. She met her husband Clarence Henry Stanford in Florida and they married when she was 20 and he was 23. Together they ran Stanford’s Marine Railway in Colonial Beach for over half a century. Always ready with a sweet smile, southern hospitality, and a little sass, Mary Virginia handled the Marina’s bookkeeping and administration while Clarence built and maintained all manner of handcrafted wooden boats.

She and Clarence had three children: Patricia (Thomas) McRae, Landon Stanford (dec. in infancy), and Suzanne (Benjamin, dec.) Smith. They loved and enjoyed their grandchildren Patrick (Amanda) McRae, Virginia McRae, Stephan Williams (dec.), and Leslie (Kevin) Conway. While Clarence predeceased her, Mary Virginia delighted in her great grandchildren Landon and Lucas McRae, Matthew Speziale, and Chase and Ella Conway. Mary Virginia is also predeceased by her parents Winton and Mae Tucker and sister Ann Maxwell.

It was Mary Virginia’s wish to remain in the home she shared with Clarence during her final years, which would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of her daughter Suzanne, her caregivers, and community. Her family wishes to thank the volunteers of the Colonial Beach Rescue Squad, the congregation of her church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Reverend Rodney E. Gordon (Rector) friends Ricky Little, Joy Sexton, Bill Bowman and so many others in and around Westmoreland County for their unwavering support and kindness.

Most especially, there are not enough words of gratitude for the incredibly generous and loving care provided by Linda Beavers and her family for Mary Virginia; she could not have asked for a more dedicated and wonderful caregiver to ensure her comfort and well-being during her last few years.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Friday, November 11, 2022 at St. Peter’s Cemetery, in Oak Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that mourners consider donations to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 601 Colonial Avenue, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 and Colonial Beach Vol Rescue Squad, 235 Dennison St., Colonial Beach, VA 22443.