Obituary

Lucy Cary Peyton Withrow, longtime resident of Charleston, West Virginia, died on August 20, 2026, at the age of 93.

Lucy was born on May 28, 1933, to Henry Peyton and Hilda Cary Peyton and grew up in Poca, West Virginia, with her sister, Mary Chambers. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1953 and, later that year, married her high school sweetheart, Curtis Lee Withrow.

Following their marriage, Lucy and Curtis moved to Philadelphia, where Curtis attended Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Lucy continued her own education, earning a degree in medical technology from Thomas Jefferson University. She went on to work in medical research and was a member of Dr. Albert Sabin’s research team during the development of the oral polio vaccine.

After medical school, the couple moved to Vermont, where Curtis completed his neurology residency. They later returned to West Virginia and made Charleston their home. Together, they raised five children: Curtis Jr. (Curt), Charles (Chuck), Robert, Mary Margaret, and John. Their marriage spanned nearly 70 years, until Curtis’s death in February 2023.

Family was at the heart of Lucy’s life. She created a home filled with holidays, vacations, celebrations, and countless family gatherings. Christmas became a particularly beloved tradition, and over the years, her home was a gathering place for her children, grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She remained close to her nieces and nephews as well, cherishing the connections that extended across generations.

Lucy was curious by nature and never lost her desire to learn. In her 60s and 70s, she returned to school to study accounting and Latin simply because she wanted to learn something new. She also treasured the friendships and conversation of her book club. Summer at the beach with family was another favorite tradition.

Lucy was a devoted member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Charleston and served on the CAMC Auxiliary Board. She and Curtis supported a number of charitable organizations throughout their lives, including St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Habitat for Humanity of Charleston, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Hilda Peyton; her sister, Mary Chambers; her husband, Dr. Curtis Lee Withrow; her parents-in-law, Austin Withrow Sr. and Martina Howard Withrow; and her son-in-law, Jerry Bradley.

Her son, Robert Cary Withrow, died shortly afterward following a brief but serious illness.

Lucy is survived by her children, Curt of Washington, D.C.; Chuck of Cleveland, Ohio; Mary Margaret Bradley of Lewisburg, West Virginia; and John and his husband, Paul Murphy, of Atlanta, Georgia.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristin Withrow Klosterman, Justin Withrow, Daniel Withrow, Elizabeth Bradley, and Grace Bradley Bragg; eight great-grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Lucy and her son, Robert, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 7, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, West Virginia 25314. A reception and celebration of life for both will follow at Edgewood Country Club, 1600 Edgewood Drive, Charleston, West Virginia 25302.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Habitat for Humanity of Charleston, or the West Virginia Wesleyan College General Scholarship Fund.

Lucy lived a long and full life, surrounded by family and sustained by curiosity, friendship, and a love of tradition. She leaves behind generations of family shaped by over 70 years of traditions, shared experiences, and memories.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.