Elizabeth Slater Alley

Elizabeth Slater Alley, 94, long cherished and a true lady, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2014. She was born in Richmond, Va., on October 12, 1920 to Dr. Leonard Augustus Slater Jr. and Bessie Lee Crump, the last of six children. She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband of 52 years, Milton Mason Alley; her older son, Leonard Mason Alley; her sisters, Ellen B. Osborne, Lillian E. Stokes and Lucille A. Basinger; and her brothers, Leonard A. Slater III and William B. Slater. Mrs. Alley was a devoted wife and mother who adored her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Her home was the family gathering place for holidays. She was actively involved in Daughters of the American Revolution and was an officer in the Bermuda Hundred Chapter. She was also a very active volunteer at Chippenham Hospital, retiring as the "Queen" in 2010, with the most hours volunteered. She loved handwork and made many pieces for family members and loved to read anything, even Harlequin novels. She was a longtime member of Bon Air Presbyterian Church and a current member of Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norfolk.

She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Marilyn A. Gowen and her husband, Dr. C.W. Gowen Jr.; her younger son, Dr. Daniel M. Alley and his wife, Katherine E. Alley; her four granddaughters, Catherine A. Lloyd (Will), Martha A. Steffey (Brian), Sarah E. Gowen and Rebecca B. Gowen; and her great-granddaughter, Aubrey H. Steffey. She leaves behind a beloved sister-in-law, Frances A. Wright; multiple beloved nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends, especially, Elizabeth Gowen and Dr. Leroy McDaniel.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date to be announced at the Talbot on Granby in Norfolk as well. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff of the memory support unit at Harbor's Edge, to Dr. Galicia-Castillo of the EVMS Geriatrics program and Dr. Julie Damman for the care given to our mother in her time in Norfolk.