Margaret Davis Elliston
January 5, 1923 ~ August 2, 2011
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Margaret Louise Davis Elliston, a longtime Asheville-area resident, passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on Aug. 2. Born in Kilmarnock, Virginia, on Jan. 5, 1923, she was 88.
Margaret lived in locales around the South before settling here. Throughout her life, she devoted her considerable energies and strong sense of purpose to each of her roles, as a resourceful child, an earnest student, a minister's wife who helped build churches across North Carolina, a loving mother of three boys and a loyal and lasting friend. What's more, her delight for poetry, calligraphy, flower gardening, worshiping and her other favorite pursuits was unflagging and infectious.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Horsley Davis and Wilbur Thomas Davis, and her brother, Brooks Davis. She is survived by her husband, Melvin B. Elliston; her sister, Mary Ella Thumwood; her three sons, Bruce, Leon and Roger Elliston; and her six grandchildren.
Margaret's family will host a public memorial service on Friday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m., at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, they request that any donations made on her behalf go to one of three local institutions that work in the spirit of the things she cared most for: Hendersonville Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Mission Hospitals Foundation.
John Hoskins and I are thinking about you and your family.
Our sincere condolences at this time. We hope the memories never fade and always make you smile.
So sorry to hear about Margaret. We had lunch together a couple of weeks ago.
She called July 29th. We loved her so much. We had such a special friendship.
Margaret was such a special person and one I enjoyed being with, loved for her to beat me in tennis. She will be missed by a lot of her friends. So sad for all her family and friends. Loving Thoughts.
Mrs. Elliston was an angel walking on earth. She was full of life, always had a positive comment and loved the Lord with all her heart – and looked forward to His return. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to the family.
Our deepest condolences to all the Ellistons. We did not know Mrs. Elliston,however the proof of her character is evidenced in the fine sons she raised.
Mrs. Elliston was a dear person and will missed by all of her friends at Foster. She always a had a kind word & a beautiful smile on her face. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family. Terry & Teresa Johns, Foster SDA Church
Mrs. Elliston was a dear person and will missed by all of her friends at Foster. She always a had a kind word & a beautiful smile on her face. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family. Terry & Teresa Johns, Foster SDA Church
Margaret was a very special person and a dear friend. I will always have fond memories of our talks and of sharing the beauty of her garden. She was a vibrant person whose joy for living, learning and serving our returning Savior was infectious. The members of Asheville Foster Seventh-day Adventist Church will miss her.
Margaret had a way of making you feel very special whenever you met. She would warmly grasp your hand, share her wonderful smile and look right into your eyes as she spoke. I loved talking to her and she loved talking about her ‘boys’. I will miss her.
My sincere condolences to you, Bruce, and your entire family. Now I know where you got your beautiful smile.
Mr. Elliston and intire Elliston family, I am sorry to hear about Mrs. Elliston, my Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Dear Elliston Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. She was a very special lady and meant the world to us.
Dear Elliston Family,
My heart goes out to you all! I loved Margaret dearly. She was such an inspiration and joy to be around. She was always so encouraging and will be greatly missed!
Bruce, Leon, Roger,
While I know this is late in expressing my condolences to each of you, I wanted you to know that I have been thinking of you since the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person and a educational joy to talk with as her knowledge of many topics never ceased to amaze me….always smiling, appreciate, kind, and welcoming. You were very blessed to have such an excellent woman as your mother. Love and prayers to each of you! Cindy
Roger, Leon and Bruce…We just learned of your mother’s death and regret not knowing of the funeral arrangements and visitation in time to show support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.