Syble Mercedes "Mert" Stanton

Syble Mercedes Davidson Stanton, Cedar Bluff, Virginia passed away at the Wellmont Place Hospice in Bristol, Tennessee on November 18, 2013. Mert, as she was affectionately known, was born on the family farm in Carroll County, Virginia and spent her youth in Pulaski, Virginia. Upon graduating from Longwood College, she married David R. Stanton in 1950. They moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she worked and he attended MCV Dental School. Upon graduation, they moved to Richlands, Virginia to begin their new life. Mert was the oldest active member of the First United Methodist Church in Richlands. One of her greatest joys was to see all the beautiful Chrismons that she has made over the years adorning the sanctuary Christmas trees. For many years, she was the chairwoman of the annual American Cancer Society TCCC golf tournament. She was an active member of the Ladies Day Golf Association and the Red Hatters. She tutored kindergartners and first graders at Richlands Elementary School for over 30 years. Mert loved to play the game of golf, tend to her flowers and garden, and traveled the world; and she was an avid Hokie fan. Nothing made her happier than a tailgate at a Virginia Tech home game when all could enjoy her famous pimiento cheese sandwiches. Mert loved her many friends in Tazewell County and proud to be a member of such a wonderful community. She is survived by: Her husband of 63 years, David R. Stanton Two Daughters: Susan Stanton Osborne and husband, Lee of Roanoke, Virginia Diane Stanton Tolley and husband, Dan of Purcellville, Virginia Son: David Robert Stanton, Jr. and wife, Valerie of Pounding Mill, Virginia Four Sisters: Britt Gallimore of Pulaski, Virginia Gaynelle Tester and husband, Dean of High Point, North Carolina Mildred Howell and husband, Tommy of Portsmouth, Virginia Shirley Jessee and husband, Carl of Pulaski, Virginia “Mom Mert” is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Martha Davidson Osborne of Richmond, Virginia David Robert Stanton, III of Smithfield, Virginia Elizabeth Stanton Osborne of Roanoke, Virginia Rachel Stanton Wells and husband, Thad of Abingdon, Virginia Margaret Lee Osborne of Roanoke, Virginia John Harper Stanton of Pounding Mill, Virginia Joseph Daniel, David Burton and Patrick Morgan Tolley all of Purcellville, Virginia Her constant canine companions, Amos and Marley She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, friends and the wonderful caregivers and staff of Bristol Regional Health Center. A memorial service will be held for Syble Mercedes Davidson Stanton on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Richlands, Virginia with Rev. Betzy Warren officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am to 10:45 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church; 402 Suffolk Ave; Richlands, VA 24641 or Crab Orchard Museum; 3663 Crab Orchard Rd; Tazewell, VA 24651; CART (Citizens for the Arts); 1413 Front St; Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Syble Mercedes "Mert" Stanton

June 21, 1927 - November 18, 2013