The Lynch Family: Building a Life Between Small-Town Charm and Big-City Convenience

Photo by Karen Presecan

Some love stories begin with a dramatic moment—a chance encounter in a coffee shop or a serendipitous meeting under unlikely circumstances. For Shaunee and Dr. Jerald Lynch, their story started in the most ordinary of places: middle school in 1988, right after a basketball game.

"My best friend introduced us right after our basketball game," Shaunee recalls with a smile. The following year, in 1989, they went on their first chaperoned date—a memory the couple still treasures decades later.

Fast forward to today, and the Lynches have built a life that perfectly balances their professional ambitions with their love of family and community. After calling Stafford home since 2017, they've found their sweet spot in the area. "We chose to live in Stafford because it was a small-big community," Shaunee explains. "Just small enough to give us some distance from the hustle and bustle of DC, but big enough to give us some convenient entertaining living options."

A Family of Achievement

The Lynch household is one where education and hard work are clearly valued. Dr. Jerald Lynch retired from the contracting and procurement department at the Bureau of Prisons this year and now teaches at Howard University. His academic credentials are impressive: a bachelor's and master's degree from Kentucky State University, followed by a PhD in Business Administration from Northcentral University.

Shaunee's career path has been equally distinguished. With a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and a master's from Kentucky State University, she has served in various HR roles primarily in the political and government arena, including positions as Chief of Staff, Deputy Director, Consultant, and VP of Operations. Now, she's channeling her expertise into entrepreneurship as the owner of Vitae Visual, a service that helps job seekers stand out by creating professional video résumés that showcase their skills and personality beyond what a traditional paper résumé can convey.

Their son, Ethan, is following in his parents' footsteps of excellence. The 17-year-old senior is a two-sport athlete, playing both football and baseball, which means the Lynch family spends plenty of time on athletic fields.

"Two of our favorite pastimes when we are not on a football or baseball field watching Ethan play are attending festivals and exploring new eateries," Shaunee says. She's particularly drawn to small-town shops and coffee shops, finding joy in the kind of intimate, community-centered spaces that reflect the lifestyle they've chosen in Stafford.

Community Connections

What strikes Shaunee most about living in the Fredericksburg area is the sense of community. "I love how everyone helps one another and is kind, no matter our differences," she says, a sentiment that speaks to the welcoming atmosphere they've found here.

When they aren’t on a football or baseball field supporting Ethan, the family loves attending festivals and exploring new eateries. "I especially enjoy frequenting small town shops and coffee shops," Shaunee says. 

Downtown Fredericksburg holds a special place in her heart. "The shops, the food, and the atmosphere are all special," she notes, highlighting the area's unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.

While the Lynches haven't yet become involved in formal neighborhood activities, Shaunee sees potential for growth. She's interested in starting social groups, particularly for women-owned businesses, which may start a new chapter in their community involvement.

Home Life and Island Dreams

At home, the Lynch family is joined by Toby, their energetic 12-year-old Shih Tzu, who loves playing fetch—or as the family calls it, "baseball." His favorite word? "Snack," naturally.

When it comes to getting away, the Lynches have a clear preference: islands. This past summer, they visited Puerto Rico and returned to the Bahamas, continuing their tradition of island escapes. "We love traveling to the islands," Shaunee says, which makes sense with their busy lives balancing work, sports schedules, and entrepreneurship.

Through Vitae Visual, Shaunee continues to build her business while staying rooted in the community she and Jerald chose carefully all those years ago. From that first introduction after a middle school basketball game to building a thriving family in Stafford, the Lynches embody what it means to invest in both career success and the simple pleasures of small-town living: good food, friendly neighbors, and plenty of time at ball fields.
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To learn more about Shaunee's business, visit www.vitaevisual.com