Rachel Burford Tomlin

Rachel Burford Tomlin, age 90, of Big Island, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

She was born on January 23, 1935, at Waughs Ferry Farm, Naola. A daughter of the late Jack Gustavis Burford and Eloise Woodruff Burford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Tomlin, Jr.; daughters Susan R. Cash and Andrea Tomlin; siblings, Jack Otway Burford, Carolyn Elizabeth Stinnette, Julia Ann Brown, Rosalie Eloise Craft, Geraldine Margaret McConnell, Aliene Rebecca Young, Roland Hugh Burford and Edward Scott Burford.

Rachel was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She had a heart of gold, always putting the needs of her family first. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rachel retired from C.V.T.C. She worked for many years with Bedford County Public Schools and later as a C.N.A. She had a natural gift of caring for her patients and treated them as family.

Rachel is survived by her children, Deborah McDaniel (George), Mike Tomlin (Mardi), Joey Tomlin (Susan), Gretchen Croft (Steve), Pam Turner (Mark), Michelle Marks (Robert); also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

The family wants to thank Mom’s friend and caretaker, Nancy Calloway. Her love and care gave Mom’s life new energy with the desire to greet each new day.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel officiated by Pastor Joyce Austin. Interment will immediately follow the service at Centenary Burial Association Cemetery, Monroe, VA.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel.