Mary Frances Rainey

Mary Frances Beville Rainey, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 15, 2016, in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
Mary Frances Beville was born the youngest of four children to Claude and Annie Abernathy Beville on October 24, 1930, in Sutherland, Virginia.
Mary Frances is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 64 years, Epes Orton Rainey; sons, Richard Rainey and wife, Ellen, and Robert Rainey of Maine; grandsons, Ben and Jackson of Idaho.
Mary Frances had a long professional career in the automotive business, retiring after 33 years from Carter Myers Automotive in 1993. She initially worked there part-time in payroll and was promoted throughout her career to General Manager of Auto Leasing before becoming Vice President, Real Estate. During her long tenure, she was a mentor and positive role model for many females in that traditionally male-dominated industry. She also contributed significantly to the values and culture of the company and inspired many associates during her time there. After retirement, she and Epes enjoyed traveling before settling into a quieter life including church and philanthropic activities.
Mary Frances was a 45-year member of Saint Mark's United Methodist Church. While there, she served as President of the United Methodist Women (UMW), and as a member of the Administrative Council.
Mary Frances was instrumental in founding Pathways, an interfaith non-profit organization in Petersburg. She served in various leadership roles over 20 years, including advisor, advocate, senior board member, benefactor, and was named Board Member Emeritus in 2013. Recently, both Mary Frances and Epes were acknowledged by Pathways for their contributions and inducted at a celebration into the Hall of Fame for their dedication and support.
Mary Frances and Epes have always been supportive during major events and challenges in their families' lives, including continuing education, relocations to accommodate career growth, and the joy of grandchildren. Besides family and career, Mary Frances always enjoyed social engagements, volunteering, gardening, and caring for her grandchildren. She was an intelligent, high energy, self-motivated woman who took great pride in her own accomplishments and those of her family. Mary Frances will be greatly missed by her loving husband Epes, and by everyone who truly loved her and was inspired by her life.
The family will receive friends, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2016 at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, the Petersburg Chapel.
A service will be held, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, 225 Claremont St. Petersburg, VA. 23805; where Mary Frances was a very active long-time member.
Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. April 19, 2016 in Blandford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Frances to Pathways-VA (1200 West Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23803) or to Saint Mark's United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com