Mary Apperson Elliott

Mary Kent Apperson Elliott, a long time Blacksburg resident who had relocated in recent years to the Dunlop House in Colonial Heights, VA, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2019 – a beautiful spring Sunday. Her 90 years were a full life that was centered on her love of church, family and friends, her beloved Blacksburg and VA Tech. She was the daughter of Kent and Margaret Rucker Apperson and sister of Elizabeth Sutton Myers, Nita Little and Pam Mason. She counted her sisters amongst her dearest friends. The great love of her life was her husband, Greer Elliott. They had two sons, David and Stephen. The men they became was what they believed to be their greatest accomplishment. Her much loved granddaughter, Heather Copenhaver, brought into the family the joy of great grandchildren - Palmer, Isaac, Ethan and Elise. Her daughters in law, Pauline and Evon, and grandson in law, Darby, were embraced into her circle. Her joy in family life was enriched with her in laws and many nieces and nephews. She loved being with them and entertaining them. She had great friendships over the years and they were all dear to her, especially neighbors from Apperson Park, BUMC and her life long best friend, Joan Munford.
Mary Kent gave decades of volunteer hours to the hospital, to the APVA at Smithfield Plantation, to preservation of their family documents of Dr. Harvey Black and Dr. John Apperson and their descendants, to promoting the concept of a Blacksburg Museum and through civic and church sponsored activities for disadvantaged local families. Of special interest to her were historical lectures, historic preservation, other cultures and customs, as well as classical and religious music and works of local artisans. Through Blacksburg UMC she practiced faith in action with her church family and through United Methodist Women. She and Greer also served in the Wesley Foundation and provided an away home for many VT students and their families. Holiday gatherings often included students from other countries. For fun there was dancing - ballroom to square dancing, camping, bridge, antiquing, exploring and “many” leisurely cups of coffee. Throughout her life, she was “the mom” where her son’s friends could congregate and get extra loving. Many continued to stay in touch with her throughout her life. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mary Feliciano, Linda Trail and the Dunlop House staff for their compassionate care in Mary Kent’s later years.
A memorial service will be held later in Blacksburg. Anyone desiring to make memorial donations may direct them to the Blacksburg United Methodist Church or the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation. A wonderful remembrance of her life would be to practice the scriptures Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:40.