Mary Lee “Nanny” Sullivan, 78, of Fredericksburg, went to be with the Lord of Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
Mary was born on July 3, 1940 in Johnson City, Tenn. She spent the first four years of her life in an orphanage until the Naves, her angels, came to choose her as their daughter. Mary and her parents moved to Stafford in 1951, where they ran a small farm and were active members of Antioch United Methodist Church.
Mary graduated from Stafford Senior High School in 1958, after which she helped on the family farm. She was later employed at Cardinal Cleaners, where she met her husband. Mary and Blackie were married on August 31, 1962.
Mary spent most of her adult years taking care of others. She volunteered at S.E.R.V.E. and at her church alongside her friends. Mary and her husband adopted a family in need each year at Christmas. They lived modestly but always did what they could to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Without even realizing it, they taught lessons of love and generosity that will live on through their family. Mary’s greatest calling was caring for her own family. She and Blackie raised two children, happily helped with their grandchildren, and cared for their aging parents. Mary also cared for Blackie at home in his final years. She was the true embodiment of a caregiver, and she performed that important role with strength and dignity. Mary lived in Madonna House in Fredericksburg after her husband’s passing, where she made many friends and happily spent her remaining years.
Survivors include her daughter, Vonda K. Lillard and son-in-law Robert L. Lillard; son Bernard D. Sullivan, Jr. and daughter-in-law Deborah P. Sullivan; grandchildren Thomas “TJ” Lillard, Robert D. “Robbie” Lilliard and his wife, Summer K. Lillard, Jennifer Beland, and Jason D. Sullivan; and great-grandchild Robert Leonardo “Leo” Lilliard. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James R. Nave and Mamie Nave of Stafford and her loving husband, Bernard D. “Blackie” Sullivan of Stafford.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 25 in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Interment will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mary will be missed by those who knew her. Please express your sympathy by honoring the life she led. Help someone in need and hold your family close, as Mary always did.