Alva Johnston Lucas

Alva Johnston Lucas, 100, of Blacksburg and formerly Newport, Virginia, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 26, 2025. Alva was born in Trigg, Virginia on February 21, 1925 to the late Shuler and Masel Johnston.

Alva was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Doak Lucas, and her three siblings. She will be greatly missed by two children, Jim and wife Gail Lucas of Blacksburg, Martha and husband Bob Neil of Roanoke, five grandchildren Jason and wife Cherron Lucas of Newport, Wes Lucas and partner Cathy Griffin of Ocean Springs, MS, Amber and husband Shawn Misenheimer of Boulder, CO, Sarah and husband David Buyck of Roanoke, and Rob and Alison Neil of Charlottesville, and seven great-grandchildren.

Alva graduated from Eggleston High School, then Radford College and began teaching in the Giles County School System in 1947. After 31 years of teaching, she retired to take care of her parents; was an active volunteer at Heritage Hall in Blacksburg; and played piano for worship services at church. She was an active member of the First Christian Church of Newport.

Alva was thankful to celebrate her 100th birthday in February with over 100 dear friends and family. The family would like to thank the staff of Showalter Center who lovingly cared for Alva for more than 15 years.

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastors Roger Henderson and Bob Adams officiating. A private family internment will be held before the memorial service at Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley. In lieu of flowers, Alva requested donations to the First Christian Church of Newport or to St. Jude Foundation. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Lucas family.