Lois Dare Lambert August, 83, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away at home on March 5, 2024, with her husband beside her.
She was born on Dec. 16, 1940, in Riverton, the middle daughter of the late Erman Lambert and Mary Harper Lambert.
Mrs. August grew up in Franklin and in her formative years she loved singing, dancing and art. She sang in the church choir and attended 4-H camps. In high school, as a senior, she was the secretary of her class, co-editor of Franklin High School’s 1958 yearbook, played the snare drums in the band, sang in the choir and was the captain of the cheerleading squad. She was always active in school plays, and in college she was a member of the University Players, a drama club. In her senior year, she performed in the production of “Brigadoon.” She participated in pageants during the years, and in 1963 she was Pendleton County’s representative for West Virginia’s Centennial Queen. She never met a stranger and was loved by all those who were fortunate to know her.
In 1962, she graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor of science in secondary education. She planned to move to Richmond, Virginia, soon after graduation but delayed the move after her brother, Lynn, died in an automobile accident that August. In November 1962, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to live with her sister, Wanda. She started her teaching career in 1963 and taught math, science and business courses at various schools, including many years at Tuckahoe Middle School. During the holidays, she worked in the fashion department at Miller & Rhoads and often modeled in their tea room.
She and her husband had their first date in January 1965 and were married on Aug. 5, 1967. They enjoyed their trips to her beloved Franklin and her husband’s family’s cottage on the Rappahannock River. Both of them loved tennis and one of their favorite things in those years was to meet after work and hit together at Byrd Park and later at the University of Richmond courts. In the years that followed, they had many opportunities to travel together, which they both also loved.
After 14 years of teaching, she retired from Tuckahoe Middle School in 1977, with the birth of their daughter, Molly. Nineteen months later their son, Tappan, was born. From the time she first became a mother, she fully dedicated her life to raising her family and supporting them throughout their lives. Without question, her family always came first to her. She showed her love in so many ways, including her love of feeding her family and their friends. Her kitchen was always open for anyone who may need it. If she could help someone she loved, she was there. She always put others ahead of herself and was humble to the core. To be loved by her was a true blessing.
Over the years she loved decorating, antiquing and fashion, having an eye for all three. She continued to love music and always had a song playing in the house. After her husband retired in December 2004, they spent a great deal of time together, including many trips to their home in Franklin. Their first grandchild, Harper, was born in 2010 and she immediately became a devoted “Mimi” to her; thereafter to Maggie when she was born in 2013 and Tappy when he was born in 2018. She truly was the absolute best grandmother anyone could ever have. Her grandchildren became the crux of her life and she took delight in every one of their activities, interests and life overall.
She was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in January 2020. She never complained and was her usual sweet self and incredibly brave, courageous and heroic through her entire illness. She fought so hard to be here and to be with her family. She was truly loved, and her family will be forever grateful for the many memories with her. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, Mimi to her grandchildren, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Her adoring husband, of 56 years, Albert Tappan August III, survives.
Also surviving are daughter, Mary “Molly” August Huffman; son-in-law, William Ward Huffman III; son, Albert Tappan August IV; daughter-in-law, Camp Goodwin August; three grandchildren, Mary Harper Huffman, Margaret Dare Huffman and Albert Tappan August V; two sisters, Wanda Lambert Walton and Doreen Lambert Calhoun; and brother-in-law, Dennis Michael Calhoun.
She was also preceded in death a brother, Lynn Paul Lambert; her stepfather, Paul Hammer Judy; and a brother-in-law, Vernon Coze Walton.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 26 at Blileys-Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.
