Elizabeth Chewning Nesbit

Elizabeth Chewning Nesbit of Powhatan County, Virginia died on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the age of one hundred and two. Born in Bon Air, Virginia, she was the daughter of Garland Carpenter Chewning and Emily Smith Chewning. Losing her mother, Emily, just before Elizabeth turned six years old was a loss she felt her entire life.

Elizabeth was predeceased by brothers Charles and Niel and sister Katherine Chewning Crane, as well as her husband of sixty-two years, Harrison Scott Nesbit. Prior to Harrison’s death in 2009, Elizabeth was lovingly focused for ten years on his care as he struggled with Alzheimer's. This was a full-time job and more. She was also predeceased by three great grandchildren: Clara Lynn, Rachael Elaine, and Evan Wyatt Sloan.

At school, Elizabeth played baseball with the boys during recess. She held down the first base position. Later, she attended Hollins College, graduating in June 1944. While at Hollins, she applied herself to her studies and did well. She often went hiking during the afternoons.

Elizabeth is affectionately remembered by her three children and their families: Clark Nesbit (Patsy), Grace N. Sloan (Fred) and Kate N. Betsill; eight grandchildren: Scott Nesbit (Katie) of Athens, GA, Liz N. Caritj (Paul) of Takoma Park, MD, Joel Sloan (Nancy) of Colorado Springs, CO, Michael Sloan (Emily), of Lynchburg, VA, John Sloan (Amy) of Holly Springs, NC, Beth S. Hart (Zane) of Lynchburg, Daniel and Susannah Betsill of Atlanta; twenty-two great grandchildren.

Almost all of the above attended Elizabeth’s 100th birthday party. There were toasts, a photographer, and dancing. Appropriate, as she always enjoyed a good party. “The more the merrier,” was her guiding principle in such matters.

Elizabeth also enjoyed being out of doors. So, in 1954, she and Harrison purchased an 1850s farmhouse and fifty acres in rural Amherst County, Virginia. Most of the down payment came from Harrison’s salary during World War II, which he had saved. That, plus a surprising sum won at poker, from servicemen who encouraged him to join in their games, but did not share Harrison’s sober, analytic disposition.

Once in the country, Eliabeth was in her element: she raised goats and Guinea fowl, with humorous results; the vegetable garden was a success; the raspberry patch was legendary. She helped Harrison with his vineyard: the table grapes were delicious; the wine making a novel though modest success, “strictly for private use.” Hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains became regular family activities.

When the older grandchildren reached school age, “Camp Winesap” was in session for an entire week each summer. Parents were not invited. Games of “cops and robbers” were punctuated by frequent jail breaks from the flimsy enclosure on the front porch. Grandma’s exclamation, “Oh no! They got away again!” would be followed by shrieks of laughter. There was swimming and canoeing at the pond. Breakfast was cheesy eggs followed by unlimited servings of “bad for you cereal.” Lunch might be hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire in the side yard. Afternoon trips to the Highs Ice Cream shop were frequent.

In the early 1990s, Harrison and Elizabeth sold the farm in Amherst County and began living with their daughter Grace and her husband, Fred, in Powhatan County. Kudos to them for their care of Elizabeth during her final years.

Elizabeth was a devoted Christian. Her inner strength and interest in Bible readings were inspiring to those who knew her well. Although Elizabeth is away from her body, she is at home with the Lord. She is with her husband Harrison, her mother Emily, and her beloved sister Katherine, among the “cloud of witnesses” which surround us.

Elizabeth was well loved by many friends. Among them are those who cared for her during the last several years: Charlotte, Christie, Haleigh, Julie, Margarita, Nadine, and Virginia. Also, Abby, Jean, Jessica, Judy, and Kim. You have loved and cared for our mom in immeasurable ways. Many of you formed a special bond with her, taking her on fun outings, even when this became difficult. Knowing her interests, you showed your love for her by tending her flower garden, filling the bird feeders, and by reading the Bible to her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the building fund of Evergreen Community Church, 2895 Lower Hill Rd., Powhatan, Virginia 23139. A memorial service for Elizabeth will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 AM at the War Memorial Building, 2375 Skaggs Road, Powhatan, VA. A family graveside service will be held on Monday.