WHITE STONE—Edna Earle Mizelle, 90, of White Stone passed away peacefully on June 15, 2019, at her son’s home in Kilmarnock.
Her husband of 52 years, Joseph Mitchell Mizelle preceded her in death in 2001. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Jack and Lucille Waters of Portsmouth.
Edna Earle is survived by her two sons, John (Katrina Merrigan) Mizelle of Culpeper, Bobby (Cary) Mizelle of Kilmarnock; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca (Dustin) Burnette of Rapidan, Daniel (Mackenzie) Mizelle of Virginia Beach, Meggie (Kyle) Shoemaker of Bethlehem, Pa., Brian Mizelle of Baltimore, Md., Anne Claire Mizelle of Richmond, Scott Mizelle of Missoula, Mont., Annie Badenoch of Kilmarnock, Edwin (Megan) Merrigan of Falls Church, Jessica (Jono) Carr of New Zealand, Melisa (Charlie) Niland of Warrenton, and seven great-grandchildren.
Edna Earle (never just Edna) was an only child, born in Wilson, N.C. She later moved to Portsmouth, where she met her future husband Joe Mizelle.
She graduated from Longwood College where she achieved a degree for teaching. She married the love of her life, Joe, in 1949 and the newlyweds moved to Richmond.
Edna Earle taught high school English while living in Richmond. In 1977, she and Joe moved to Omaha, Neb. As empty nesters, Edna Earle started playing tennis and found a great love for not only the game but the social aspects of the activity. Joe retired in 1991 and they moved back to Virginia and settled at her current home on Tabbs Creek in White Stone.
Upon arriving in White Stone, Edna Earle quickly became a part of the community by becoming active in their beloved church of St. Andrews Presbyterian, the Rappahannock Garden Club, the Tabbs Creek Civic Association, weekly tennis matches at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club and swimming, yoga and aerobics at the YMCA in Kilmarnock. In addition, she was quite active in numerous charities like the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck and the Northern Neck – Middlesex Free Health Clinic.
One thing for sure, she lived life to its fullest, always in style and grace but also with creativity and color. Her dining room and breakfast room were always set with china, linens, crystal and floral centerpieces, “just in case someone stopped by for a meal.”
Edna Earle’s dock was always decorated as well, for all the holidays and numerous times she won the award for the most elaborate dock decorations. Edna Earle was also known for her exquisite pre-New Year’s Eve party, a festive gathering for 50-90 of her dear friends where she served a spread of food that would rival the finest restaurants.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Missing her smile, her energy, her colorful outfits and always a matching hat at church.
There will be a visitation from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock. A celebration of life church service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Kilmarnock, and a graveside service following at Historic Christ Church, Weems.
While she so loved flowers and anything pretty, please consider a memorial contribution to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1366, Kilmarnock, VA 22482; Northern Neck – Middlesex Free Health Clinic, PO Box 1694, Kilmarnock, VA 22482; and/or the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck, PO Box 564, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
