Elizabeth Mitchell Dalton

Susan Elizabeth Mitchell Dalton, a decades-long resident of Martinsville and Henry County, passed away quietly Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at her home. This occurred several weeks after she, family, and friends celebrated her 100th birthday on Nov. 28. She was lovingly cared for in her home by caregivers Jewel Pritchett, Kimble Williamson, and several others. Born on November 28, 1914, in Franklin County, Virginia, Elizabeth was the first-born child of Victor Clyde Mitchell and Estelle Stultz Mitchell. Raised in the Snow Creek community, Elizabeth was a 1935 graduate of Martinsville High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband C. Wayne Dalton; sisters Linville Mitchell Draper and Catherine Mitchell Mason; and brothers H. Wayne Mitchell and W. Ralph Mitchell. Her husband, Wayne Dalton, was a lieutenant who served with the Martinsville Police Department for about 30 years prior to his death in 1966. Mrs. Dalton is survived by her nephew Karl Kreisler Mason, Jr.; nieces Victoria Ann Mason, Flora Mason Diehl, Nellie Susan Huppert and Betty Jo Miller; three great nephews, four great-nieces, two great-great nieces; a brother-in-law Hugh Draper of Martinsville; and many cousins. Elizabeth worked as a bookkeeper for Twin City Wholesale Grocery Company until 1949, when she and her partners opened Martinsville Wholesale Grocery Company. Mrs. Dalton was a hard-working, successful businesswoman, negotiating what was at that time the largest bank loan ever advanced to a woman in Martinsville. Before her retirement, she was President of Martinsville Wholesale Grocery Co. In 1970, the Martinsville Bulletin wrote that "She probably is Virginia's only female wholesale grocer." The company regularly delivered groceries to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and retailers, mostly within a 45-mile radius covering several counties in Southern Virginia and Northern North Carolina. For exceptional sales, a publication of the Virginia Food Dealers Association, located in Richmond, Va., awarded Mrs. Dalton several plaques for her sales achievements. Following her retirement in 1977, Mrs. Dalton enjoyed many volunteer activities, and traveling, among other things. She volunteered with the American Red Cross; was a treasurer and member of the board of directors of the local Altrusa International which focused on aiding needy students and the disabled, and was nominated by the local club to serve in the international office. She participated in the Avon Foundation Cancer Crusade; and was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. She gave her time to Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County at the reception/visitors' information desk. Elizabeth both loved and feared the water. The July 18, 1954, issue of the Martinsville Bulletin called her the area's top female "fishing expert" after she hooked an 11-inch bass at a nearby lake. She purchased a home at Cherry Grove, South Carolina, where she enjoyed countless hours hosting family and friends at the beach. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private family viewing will be held at 12:00 pm. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery will follow the funeral service. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Martinsville Police Department Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 1101, 55 West Church St., Martinsville, Va. 24112; or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com