Lizora Miller Yonce, 85, of Boca Grande, FL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 14. Lizora was born in Danville, VA to the late Lizora Schoolfield Miller and J. Clifford Miller, Jr. of Richmond, VA. She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel McClay Yonce, after 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Lizora grew up in Richmond, VA and attended St. Catherine’s School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Sweet Briar College.
In her youth, she enjoyed riding and fox hunting, especially at her family’s farm in Brandy Station, VA. In college she was a member of the varsity field hockey, tennis (captain) and equestrian teams. In her adult years, she played tennis, golf and bridge. She operated a stationery and gift business Personalized Packages out of her home. She was a member of the Round Hill Club (CT), The Gasparilla Club (FL), and Fishers Island Club (NY). She was dedicated to supporting organizations that make a difference and was past Chairman and board member of the Family Centers (Greenwich, CT), past Director of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association at Stratford Hall (VA), and active member and former board member of the Greenwich Garden Club for 58 years, among many other social and philanthropic organizations. She was also a member of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.
Lizora is survived by son and daughter-in-law Samuel McClay Yonce Jr. (Clay) and Virginia Vogel Yonce (Ginny) of Hamilton, MA; son Logan Hanes Yonce of Greenwich, CT; and son and daughter-in-law Clifford Miller Yonce and Susan Shoaf Yonce of Greenwich, CT. “Lizzie” was a loving, proud, and generous grandmother to her four grandchildren: Samuel McClay Yonce III, Isabelle Vogel Yonce, Caroline Schoolfield Yonce and Clifford Miller Yonce Jr. (Miller). She is also survived by her brother J. Clifford Miller III of Sperryville, VA.
Among many endearing qualities, Lizora will be remembered for her devotion and loyalty to family and friends, her ability to bring people together, her keen wit and sense of humor, and her Virginia accent.
A family graveside service will be held in Richmond, VA in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Family Centers (40 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 or www.familycenters.org) or Island Health Project (P.O. Box 344, Fishers Island, NY 06390 or www.islandhealthproject.com) or The Boca Grande Health Clinic (P.O. Box 2340, Boca Grande, FL 33921 or https://bghcfoundation.com).
