Obituary - Lisa Rumsey Weatherford

Lisa Rumsey Weatherford passed away on July 28, 2023 following a brief, brave fight against breast cancer. Lisa was 70 years old.

Lisa was a beloved mother, a fun and magical “YaYa,” a devoted wife, an attentive daughter, a loving younger sister, and an affectionate friend.

Lisa was a creative, quirky, enthusiastic seeker of happiness. She loved all things kitschy, colorful, crafty, silly, impractical, and boisterous. She worked tirelessly to bring that happiness and joy to those around her. Throughout her 30+-year career as a teacher’s aide, Lisa brought fun to the daily lives of countless children at Trinity Methodist Preschool through paper turkeys, butterfly midwifery, costumes, and painstakingly crafted seasonal décor. Her fellow teachers were her extended family, and she loved them all like sisters.

Lisa was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and New London, New Hampshire. She came to Richmond to study Art History at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she met Jack, and never left. They built an amazing life for themselves and their daughters.

She is survived by her husband, John “Jack” A. Weatherford, III; her daughters, Shelton Way and Devin Poore; her sons-in-law, Lawton Way and Stephen Poore; her grandchildren Ford, Margaret, and CeCe Way, and Howdy and Jed Poore; her sister, Susan Yuhasz, and Susan’s spouse, George; many other loving family members and friends; as well as a beloved, disorganized craft room that will take months to sort through.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Shelton Irwin, and her father, Robert Bartlett Rumsey.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist, 903 Forest Avenue, Henrico, Virginia, 23229, at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023. A reception will follow in the church’s Welcome Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Lisa’s second home and place of support: Trinity Methodist Preschool, 903 Forest Avenue, Henrico, Virginia, 23229.