King, Lillian “Pete”
On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the day after her 92nd birthday, Lillian “Pete” Poff King, formerly of Elliston went to her eternal home. She is now at rest in the loving arms of her Savior, free of the bonds of Alzheimer’s disease.
She was the daughter of Everette and Anna Byerle Poff. The many great losses she experienced in her life never diminished her capacity to love and care for others and she never stopped loving the ones she lost.
She is predeceased by the love of her life, Versey Milton King Sr.; two sons, Billy Epperly and wife Maudie; Versey Milton King Jr. “Jimmy”; daughter, Donna K. Altis; grandsons, Dwayne Epperly; Jason King; great-grandson, Anthony Sowers; brothers, Sonny Poff; Bob Poff; sisters, Pearl and husband Sam Mallory; Polly Angle and husband John. Her example of love, compassion, gratefulness and her positive outlook on life has made the lives of those she left behind better and stronger.
She is survived by daughter, Sue Reavis and husband Herm, Sherry Crowe and husband Clifford of Salem, Linda Palmer and husband Wayne of Roanoke; daughter-in-law, Kathy Conner and husband Reggie of Shawsville; brothers, Jack and wife Anita Poff, Christiansburg; Buddy and wife Barbara Poff of Roanoke; sister, Becky Rea of Salem; sisters-in-law, Ruby Poff and Reva Fagg; brother-in-law, Henry King and wife Pat all of Salem. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, Terry Ford, Brian Epperly, Pamela LaPradd, Penny McNabb, Perry Heslep, Phoebe Rakes, Tina Davis, Greg Reavis, Chris Reavis, Jeff King, Amy Downing, Betsy Crowe, Glenn Crowe, Stephanie Hickey, Scott and Michael Altis, Jacob Palmer and Sarah Palmer; 30 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
When asked which child or grandchild did she love most, her reply was always the same and without hesitation, “Which ever one needs me most.”
Many will remember her delightful sense of humor and her wit, but the greatest legacy she leaves behind is the deep and enduring love she gave to her family and all she met. God, whose love is everlasting, gave her that gift and she demonstrated it throughout her life in her words and selfless actions. In her memory show kindness to others, share a smile, laugh or encouraging word, forgive generously and love big.
A special thank you to Keith Denson and his wonderful staff at Snyder Nursing Home. They treated us as part of their family. They loved with us, they laughed with us and they cried with us. They are the best of the best and we will always be grateful for the loving care our Mother received from each of them.
A celebration of her life will be at The Poff Family Reunion, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. At the home of granddaughter Penny McNabb, 2155 Catawba Valley Drive, Salem. Family friends Tim Gearheart and Dan Carawan officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday, June 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home, Salem, Va. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in memory of Lillian King to the East Hill Cemetery Fund in Elliston c/o Sue Reavis, 1993 Reavis Lane, Salem, VA 24153.