Mildred Louise Seay Lugar Tibbetts (Millie), 87, of Charlottesville, formerly of Mineral, Va., passed away peacefully on August 15, 2021.
She was born on October 5, 1933, to the late Viva Alexander Seay and William Jennings Seay in Buchanan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Seay.
Mildred loved the mountains that she grew up in and graduated from Buchanan High School in 1953. While she fought health battles most of her life, she was a Mom first. She also worked in greenhouses, insurance agencies, dry cleaners, five and dime stores, and a childcare center. She did not drive until she was 50 years old, then took to the road for church, local adventures, and friend gatherings. Her joys came by way of her loves, married in 1954 for 20 years to William L. Lugar, having daughter Susan, and again in 1978 for seven years to William Tibbetts. Being Grandma to Danielle made her light up and enjoy dancing again (with a 2 year old!). Family, growing the prettiest flowers, bluegrass music and the many animals that she took in, cared for, and loved were all her passions.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Lugar Wolfe and husband David T. Wolfe; her grand-daughter, Danielle Norton, all of Charlottesville; her grandsons, Adam and wife Airi Wolfe of Japan, and Christian Wolfe of Roanoke; her brother, Doc Seay and wife Colleen of Florida; special cousin, Virgie Seay of Buchanan; nephews, Eddie and Gary Seay of Connecticut, Ricky and Randy Seay of Florida; first husband and lifelong friend, William L. Lugar of Chesterfield; and numerous cousins. We would like to thank her special caregivers from Albemarle Health and Rehab, including Caitlyn, Tasha, Catherine, Trina, Sarah, and so many others that were a big part of her family over the last five years. All that we love deeply becomes part of us, as Helen Keller said, and Mildred forever is.
Millie’s funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 19, in Springwood Baptist Church, 88 Copps Hill Road, Buchanan, with Pastor Danny Quirin officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan. Condolences to the family may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.
