March 24, 2025

Lora Gene Johnson Lehman of Lynchburg died Monday, March 24, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Ellis Ray Lehman.

She was born July 23, 1924 in Decatur, Illinois, a daughter of the late Biness Filmore Johnson and Laura Inez Emerson Johnson.

Gene passed away at the age of 100, a milestone she had often expressed she never desired to reach. While she made it clear she was ready to embrace the next chapter of life, she faced her final years with the same grace, dignity, and humility that defined her. Known for her unwavering patience, Gene was a loving nurturer who always put others before herself. Her sharp mind and keen spirit remained vibrant until her very last day, playing Canasta with friends on the afternoon before falling ill. Gene had a keen sense of humor that could be easily missed if you didn't pay close attention. She was an active soul, constantly engaged in activities that brought her joy, including reading, chair exercise and knitting beautiful prayer shawls for friends. Gene's generosity extended beyond her family and friends-she always sought to be a source of comfort rather than a burden. Her legacy of love, selflessness, humor, and quiet strength will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by three sons, Steve Lehman of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada, John Lehman of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and Bob Lehman and his wife, Terry of Cumming, Georgia; one daughter, Judy Finch and her husband, Rob of Huddleston, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, Wendy Lehman, Joey Lehman, Jimi Lehman, Joel Meredith (Jen), Erica Lehman (Tyson), Melissa Lehman, Karl Lehman, Jessica Lehman, Sarah Lehman, Laura Holbert (Trevor), Trey Finch (Brooke), and Jackson Finch (Fallon); eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Flossie Burgett and Margie Fitch.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista by the Rev. Brady Willis with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Altavista.

Grandmother to Trey Finch, Southside and Blueridge Funeral Directors Association Member, Mother-in-law of Rob Finch, VFDA past president.