Lilly Frances "Mary" (Peters) Altizer

Lilly was born in Goshen to the late Emma Harper Peters and Charles Harry Peters on October 23, 1931. She was a graduate of Goshen High School. Soon after high school she adopted the name, Mary. She married John Robert “Big John” Altizer on September 29, 1951. She was proud to tell people her career was being a housewife and a mother. She raised seven children, encouraging each one of them to be their own person. Mary was very active in church activities at Fishersville United Methodist Church ranging from Bible School Registrar to Sunday School Teacher to serving on committees and boards. She was a member of the Nellie Myers Circle, attended Bible studies and XYZ meetings, was a member of the Golden Girls and served in various capacities in the United Methodist Women groups. Mary served two different times on mission trips to Mexico. She was well known for her handmade birthday cards she delivered each Sunday to her church family members.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mary was preceded in death by a son, Douglas F. Altizer; two brothers, Charles T. Peters and James Paul Peters; and a sister, Ella Mae Warren.

Survivors include her children, Charles Robert “Bob” Altizer of Fishersville, Ruby Altizer of Durham, NC, Melinda Mills and husband, Gerald of Rockbridge Baths, Walter R. Altizer and wife, Penny of Lyndhurst, Emma Whittington and husband, Bob of Maryville, TN and Nancy Holder and husband, Larry of Roxboro, NC; seven grandchildren, Brittany Whittington, John Robert Whittington, LeAndra Altizer, Devin Holder, Austin Holder, Johnathan Altizer and Nathan Altizer; sisters, Mary Alice Meharg of Cerritas, CA, Nelly Lemaster of Burnsville, NC, Gertrude Widener of Staunton and Lucy Pederson of Swoope; sister-in-law, Dorothy Desper Peters of Waynesboro; as well as four great grandchildren and a number of special cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Fishersville United Methodist Church with Pastor Charles Bates and Pastor Jim Harris officiating. Everyone is invited for a meal and a time of “Remembering Mary” following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Fishersville UMC, 1600 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, VA 22939 or to the hospice organization of your choice.

The family of Mary wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Dennis Hatter of Stuarts Draft Family Practice, Augusta Health staff and volunteers, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, special family friend, Elaine Carroll and the multitude of friends who made Mary’s life so joyful. Ms. Mary loved you and so do we!

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com