Ethel Hunter Lilly
Ethel Hunter Lilly, formerly of Beckley, WV, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at The Fairfax at Belvoir Woods, following a long illness. She was 95 years old.
Ethel was born on August 23, 1929, in Lillybrook, WV, to Leslie F. Hunter, Sr., and Dora Lilly Hunter, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Frances McKinney, Mary Bachelor, Edith Tindilia, and Leslie Hunter, Jr.
A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Ethel built a successful career at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Beckley, WV. She held various bookkeeping and administrative roles before retiring as the Executive Assistant to the Medical Center Director. It was at the VA that she met her husband, Jack Thomas Lilly, whom she married in 1960. Their love story began when Ethel playfully pointed out that they shared the same birthday-a connection they later realized extended back to high school when Jack had unknowingly signed her yearbook. Jack and Ethel shared 45 wonderful years together before Jack's passing in 2005.
Ethel's retirement was marked by continued service and self-improvement. She worked as a caseworker for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), and earned her West Virginia Real Estate License. She and Jack enjoyed visiting their children, walking at the local mall, and gardening together.
A longtime member of Beckley Regular Baptist Church, Ethel found joy and purpose teaching in the children's Sunday School program, where she nurtured faith in future generations. In later years, she lived in Tallahassee, FL; Athens, GA; and ultimately returned to Beckley before relocating to Alexandria, VA, in 2021.
Ethel is survived by her children, Susan Lilly Gerock (James) of Alexandria, VA, and John Thomas Lilly (Cheryl) of Cary, NC, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Allison, Caleb, and Abigail Lilly of Cary, NC. She also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends Sandy Shrewsbury (Beckley), Carol Schardine (Tallahassee), and Pam Correll (Athens). Her final months were made brighter and more joyous by her dedicated caregivers, Tatiana Charles and Angela Martin, whose kindness and love brought comfort to her and her family.
Funeral services will be held at Melton Mortuary in Beckley, WV, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1:00pm. The entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum in Beckley. Friends may gather with the family at the funeral home from 11:00 am to the service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel's memory may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 422 Neville Street, Beckley, WV 25801, or Beckley Regular Baptist Church, 707 Johnstown Road, Beckley, WV 25801.
Ethel's life was a testament to her love for family, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to serving others. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has the honor of serving the family. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.meltonmortuary.com