The predecessors of Jack Daniels

Lynne Tolley, the great-grandniece of the legendary Jack Daniel, stepped down from her day-to-day responsibilities as the Proprietress of Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant in Lynchburg.

Although she is no longer a daily fixture at Lynchburg’s landmark eatery, Tolley is continuing her work as a Jack Daniels’ Master Taster and Brand Ambassador, traveling the world on behalf of her Uncle Jack Daniel’s sipping whiskey and the boarding house where he took his noonday meal.

“Growing up in Lynchburg, I knew Miss Mary personally so I was honored to continue the tradition of fine boarding house fare and warm Lynchburg hospitality,” said Tolley. “I can’t think of more rewarding work than doing what I love for 30 years.”

Tolley began her career with the Jack Daniel Distillery 34 years ago in April of 1980. She worked in the Distillery’s Nashville office until 1983 when the Jack Daniel Distillery bought Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House after Miss Mary Bobo’s death, just shy of her 102nd birthday. Lynne succeeded Miss Mary as only the second Proprietress of the Lynchburg landmark.