Dorothy Lizbeth (Shelhorse) Casey July 10th, 1944 - May 10th, 2021
Lizbeth was born in Danville, Virginia on July 10th, 1944, and quietly went home to the Lord on May 10th, 2021 after a long fight against heart, lung and kidney problems. She was raised in Danville surrounded by the love of her parents, Jack and Dorothy, her brother Walter, sister Martie, her grandmother, and eight aunts and uncles.
Liz graduated with a teaching degree from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia in 1966 before starting her teaching career in the Washington, D. C. area. Two years later she moved to Roanoke, Virginia to continue her work as a compassionate fourth grade teacher. While there she and Gene met and fell in love in 1968, and they were to be life partners for almost 53 years. At that time Gene was a Park Ranger who was assigned on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While they were dating he was reassigned to the Virgin Islands National Park, and they had to continue their courtship long distance. They were married on June 21, 1969 in Danville, and began their long life together. After the wedding they flew off to their new home overlooking Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Each morning at 7:00 AM, and at noon the fire siren sounded to let everyone know it was time to get up, or to stop for lunch. While living there Lizbeth trained to be a mobility instructor for the blind, but never got to use her training because in September, 1972 seven month old, thirteen pound Mary Ann came home to them to love and raise. After five years on St. John they moved to Mount Rainier National Park where they spent the next 24 years. While serving there in 1976 they brought home curly haired, two year old Scott, and then, wonder of wonders, Liz gave birth to Patrick in 1979, and Michael in 1982. Tragically, they lost twenty one year old, and just-married, Mary Ann in May, 1993.
In June, 1978 Liz nearly died from bronchial pneumonia while visiting her parents in Danville. That illness signaled the beginning of an almost never ending series of pulmonary problems that saw her repeatedly receiving treatments and hospitalizations for the next 43 years. Never once in all the years between 1978 and 2021 did she falter in praising God’s name, or blame him for her illnesses. She was a truly shining example of a lovely, totally committed Christian woman.
Lizbeth is survived by her husband Gene, and sons Scott (Beth), Patrick (Stephanie), Michael, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A memorial service for Lizbeth will be held at Christ’s Church at Elbe at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 27th, 2021 with a pot luck dinner to follow. The church is located on the street behind the Elbe gas station. The family invites everyone who knew and loved this exceptional woman to come to remember her for her dedication to her church, her family, and especially for the way she steadfastly praised and served the Lord.
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