MARY LEE HOWERTON McALISTER

November 12, 2012

Mary Lee Howerton McAlister, 89, of Verona, VA passed away at her home on November 9, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband of over sixty years, Cecil Homer McAlister. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Louie Roosevelt and Ella Dare Shrewsberry Howerton; a daughter, Carol M. Huffman; brothers Lloyd and Ernest; and sisters Carrie, Thelma, and Helen. Mrs. McAlister was a stay-at-home mother who enjoyed gardening and sewing. She also spent many years babysitting and caring for foster children, all of whom fondly referred to her as "Granny Mac." A faithful Christian and student of the Bible, Mrs. McAlister was a member of Grace Bible Church. Surviving Mrs. McAlister are her son, Lou McAlister and his wife Suki of Lafayette, IN, daughter Helen Semones and her husband Michael of Bridgewater, VA, and daughter Audrey Jenkins and her husband Gene of Stuarts Draft, VA. She is also survived by a brother, Willard Howerton, and a sister, Elva Southern, both of Princeton, WV, a sister, Bea Funk, of Roanoke, VA, and her best friend, Liz Gilbert, also of Verona. Mrs. McAlister had ten grandchildren: Sean McAlister, Scott McAlister, Tony Huffman, Karin Huffman, Lisa Huffman, Jonathan Helmick, Jason Helmick, Victoria Jenkins, Susan Martin, and Candace Jenkins. She also has six great-grandchildren: Tierney, Emma, and Aidan McAlister, Morgan Lockheart, Devin Helmick, and Ruby Huffman. A funeral service will be conducted at Grace Bible Church, 77 Glover Circle, Staunton, VA at 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 12, 2012 by Pastor Roy Trump. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Bible Church or to the Augusta County Fire and Rescue.