Lynn Mernin Salley

Lynn Mernin Salley died Tuesday, Sept. 21. She was 84.

Born in 1937 in Sacramento, California, she spent most of her childhood in Yosemite and other national parks with her father, Jerry Mernin, a renowned career park ranger, and mother, Emmy Mernin.

She graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael, California, in 1958 and taught fifth grade in California and North Carolina before marrying Alfred Salley in 1961 and settling in Asheville, North Carolina.

Besides raising three children in her new hometown, she spent many hours working with community organizations like the Junior League of Asheville. She was a fondly remembered presence at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where she worked and later volunteered for many years. She loved gardening and traveling, and she was an enthusiastic foodie and armchair Jeopardy! champion.

A wonderful home chef, she served legendary holiday meals to generations of delighted and awestruck friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband; and her brother, Jerry Jr. She leaves her three children, Jo Chandler and husband Robert; Alfred Salley Jr. and wife Hilary; and Jerry Salley and wife Josephine. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Sarah Chandler, Henry Chandler, and Nathan Salley.

To all of them, she has left a legacy that includes her love of fine food, reading, and crossword puzzles, her calm kindness, and her wry wit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CarePartners Hospice Solace Center or Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting with a private memorial.