It is with great sadness that the family announces Lynn’s passing on Aug. 1, 2018, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 51.
She lived in Lynchburg, but grew up as a teenager at Lake Monticello, and graduated from Fluvanna County High School in 1984. Lynn was born Sept. 8, 1966. Preceding her in death was her father, William “Bill” Fairchild, her grandparents, and beloved Perry Karnes.
She was devoted to her children, Kelsey Murphy and her husband Ryan, and Charles “Chip” Martin, Jr. She is also survived by her mother, Connie Fairchild; her brother, Chris Fairchild; niece, Kayla Fairchild and her children; nephew, Hunter Fairchild and his wife Robin; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her best friend, Cheryl Key, and her children.
Lynn had a wealth of political information, with a statewide network of friends. She attended Virginia Tech where she studied international relations, electrical engineering, and computer science. She was a graduate of the Jennifer Byler Institute and a 2011 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. She was very active in local and state political campaigns, having helped numerous officials being elected to public office. Lynn was a supporter of the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce; the Lynchburg Historical Foundation; the Lynchburg Sports Club; and was an avid supporter of transportation and caring for fur babies/pets statewide. Lynn was co-founder and past president of Central Virginia Republican Women, and participated in “We the People,” helping educate young people on our constitution. She recently had been honored on Flag Day in Lynchburg, with special recognition from Gov. Bob McDonnell, Gov. George Allen, and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling. Gov. Allen stated, “You have been an especially loyal friend and energetic leader in the arduous campaigns of so many public servants – with steadfast loyalty and dedication to all that is wholesome and good in our Commonwealth of Virginia and country,” and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling stated, “In politics these days there are a lot of people who want to be involved and recognized, but there are few people who are really willing to roll up their shirt sleeves and do the hard work of freedom. Lynn is one of those people – in all of Virginia, we had no better friend.”
Lynn may be gone, but her outgoing personality and love for people will live on through her children and her many friends. She will especially be remembered for her spirit of adventure and her “groovy” personality. She will be sadly missed by family, friends, and her many fur babies.
A Celebration of Life was held Aug. 12, 2018, in Lynchburg at Heritage Baptist Church.