Dalton, Lillian Keister
Lillian Keister Dalton, 89, of Pulaski, passed away at her homeof sixty years on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. She is preceded in death by her spouse, T.S. Dalton; parents, Byron Sydney and Margaret Whittaker Keister; and brothers, Byron Keister and Donald Keister.
Survived by her nephew and wife, D. Steven and Lynn Keister of White Gate, Va.; nephew, John Keister of Salem, Va.; great nieces, Sarah Keister Williams (Lilly look-alike) and spouse, Mike Williams of Ashland, Va., Kelly ”Sweet Pea” Keister of Wilmington, Del., Hillery Lester of Roanoke, Va., Heather Ramsey of Richmond, Va.; devoted friends of 40 years, Nellie Hazel of Pulaski; and friends Barbara and Bob Ingram of Pulaski.
Lilly graduated in 1948 from National Business College with a degree in Secretarial Science. She was employed at RAAP as an Administrative Secretary. Lilly was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. She was an active member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club as well as a member of the New River Fine Arts Center.
Lilly was the epitome of Southern grace, charm and hospitality. She made the best darn rum cake, Harvard beets and pickled eggs in the South. She loved Pulaski as much as Puerto Rico where she and ”T” vacationed frequently. Lilly had more hats and leather gloves the Imelda Marcos had shoes!
Lilly shared her love of nature and gardening with anyone who would listen and inspired many to start gardens of their own. She reached for the Farmer’s Almanac almost as much as the Bible, and always planted by the sign. She loved to reflect on life and its meaning as she enjoyed her afternoon ”smoothie”. Throughout the years Lilly helped many achieve a college education, which was very dear to her heart. She later started the T.S. and Lillian Dalton Scholarship Fund at NRCC that will continue to help local students achieve their dream of an education for many years to come.
The word ”hate” was not in her vocabulary. She had the most wonderful and witty sense of humor and always had a smile on her face. Although she became frail in body she kept that fighting spirit until the very end. Lilly said she was so blessed and had many advantages others would never know. She always hoped she was worthy. Yes, Lilly you were worthy.
A special thank you to Dr. Ken Pendergrast, Judy Branscome FNP, and office nurses, Tina and Jennifer, for the care, compassion and support given to Lilly over the years. The family would also like to thank Dr. Stewart Goldstein, Fresenius Medical Care, Cindy McGuire, and the support of her caregivers that helped Lilly remain in her home until her last day.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2014,at Steven’s Funeral Home in Pulaski. Funeral Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Friday,September 12, 2014by the Reverend Hugh Kilgore.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the T.S. and Lillian Dalton Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent to NRCC Educational Foundation at 5251 College Drive Dublin, Va 24084.
Arrangements by Steven’s Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.