Hylton, Elnora Weddle
Elnora Weddle Hylton, 86, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday April 10, 2007 after a short stay in a local nursing home. Elnora enjoyed remarkably good health for many years until a debilitating progression of her dementia that advanced significantly after Christmas.
Born in Floyd County Virginia on June 5, 1920 to David Benton and India Harmon Weddle, Elnora grew up with four siblings on a small farm in sight of her beloved Buffalo Mountain. She left Floyd County in the early 1950’s and moved to the town of Bedford shortly after her marriage to Dewey Foster Hylton. Although she came to love Bedford dearly, the lush rolling hills of “home” never left Elnora’s heart. Floyd County roots remained strong all her life and she spoke often and longingly about the little community of Willis where she was raised. She cherished every opportunity to go back for visits and enjoyed long rides through the meandering country roads, stopping at cemeteries, and recalling memories of her loved ones and childhood.
Foster and Elnora Hylton were blessed by the birth of their only child, Danny, In 1953. Elnora was employed by Rubatex Corporation and worked until retirement with over thirty years of service. She became a very young widow when Foster passed away in 1977 and remained widowed for life. Elnora’s remarkable strength and resilience after Foster’s untimely death became the very essence of the independent woman known and loved by so many today.
A member of Trinity Baptist church, Elnora filled the days of her long widowhood with church activities, caring for the yard and flower beds, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, and enjoying her family and friends. Elnora will also be remembered as an avid collector of clocks acquired throughout her lifetime. She loved listening to them tick and chime in every room of her home. Elnora’s numerous clocks were a source of companionship and added richness to her days. Elnora was a much-anticipated familiar face at the local Hardee’s every morning for many years and enjoyed breakfasting with “the regulars”, her very special friends and playing bingo with them on Monday afternoons. As did long-time members of Trinity church, the Hardee’s group also became like family to Elnora, and she loved them all dearly.
In addition to her parents and husband, Foster, Elnora Weddle Hylton was preceded in death by brothers, Hubert E., Utah B., and Benton J. (“BJ”) Weddle. Elnora is survived and will be sadly missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Danny R. and Melanie L. Hylton; granddaughter, Heather H. Jones and Husband, Todd; grandson, David M. Hylton and wife, Christina; great-granddaughter, Eliza A. Jones; the grandchildren’s mother, Sandra Angel; sister Opal W. Sink; nieces and spouses, Marilyn S. and Joe Custer, Roxie S. and Lloyd Clingenpeel; in addition to Melanie’s five siblings, and their children, who loved and considered “Miss Ellie” as matriarch of the Layne family since their own mother’s death some years ago.
Elnora will be best remembered for her special smile, open friendly personality, genuine love of people and conversation (she never met a stranger), admirable independence, and strong sense of family. She was a proud, loving and generous mom who adored her only son and grandchildren with all her heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bedford Life Saving Crew, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, by the Rev. Vernon DeLong. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2007. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford.