Elizabeth Talbot

Flora Elizabeth Benson Talbot, beloved wife of the late William E. Talbot, peacefully passed into God’s light on May 8, 2015, at 10:45 a.m. while hand-in-hand with her devoted daughter of Lockport, New York, and in conference with her loving son of Norfolk, Virginia. She was surrounded by love and prayer with those who loved her dearly as well as the efficient care of Niagara Hospice.

She is survived by her children Alma Ann Talbot Leach (Thomas) and James Benson Talbot (Ralph, partner), her loving grand-children Amy Elizabeth Leach (Richard Perry), Robert William Leach (Zoe) and her precious great grand-children Talbot Olivia Perry (five years old) and Ryce Thomas Perry (17 months old). She spent her last years actively sharing in the lives of this wonderful close-knit family.

She was born on September 7, 1921 in Overfield, a daughter of the late Charles Conoway Benson and Alma Davis Benson as well as the sister of the late Fay Davis Benson and Harry Joseph Benson.

Mrs. Talbot was a member of the Overfield Methodist Church where she played the piano and was a Sunday school teacher for approximately 30 years. Upon its closure she joined the Elk City United Methodist Church until she became disabled. At that time she moved to Lockport, New York, spending nearly ten years under the tender, loving care of her daughter and son-in-law Ann and Tom. If able she attended the Lockport Emmanuel United Methodist Church. If unable to attend, she closely read this church’s Sunday bulletin especially noting hymns sung during its weekly service.

She was a graduate of Philippi High School (1938) after attending Overfield’s one-room elementary school. In later years she, along with classmates, helped plan and organize her high school reunions.

Libby was a devoted housewife, mother and caretaker for her husband and parents when their lives declined. She was a sweet, well-liked person by all people who knew her.

She was a member of the Philippi Order of the Eastern Star for 55 years.

She had many interests that kept her busy as time allowed. She loved antiques, especially old valentines, political items, old Life magazines, vintage jewelry, dolls, crocheted linens, handkerchiefs, antique post cards to name a few.

Another important interest of hers was to make scrapbooks and photo albums. Her scrapbooks indeed tell a history of all happenings in and around Philippi, Clarksburg, and important West Virginia as well as United States news. She read the Barbour Democrat, Clarksburg Exponent and the Elkin’s Inner Mountain newspapers daily clipping out obituaries, engagement and wedding pictures, awards local people earned as well as many other news items. Many friends often called her when needing help for personal news they needed published. Her family albums are numerous and date from her school days to her illness that caused her move to New York. Even then she continued to receive local newspapers. She waited daily to receive the Barbour Democrat. Upon receipt she would read it from cover to cover as long as she was able. She also enjoyed writing spiritual articles for these newspapers.

Another special time for her was traveling especially with her son, Jim, as well as Ann, Tom or Ralph if they were available to go. She and son Jim took over 50 cruises together and met people from many states. She stayed in contact with a few she met via Christmas cards and occasional telephone calls.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home, 220 North Walnut Street, Philippi, WV on Tuesday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 8 p.m. the same day. Visiting hours will begin again on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to the service hour. Her funeral will start at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Headley officiating. Interment will take place at the Mount Olive Cemetery.