Mary Lillian Nester Altizer

Mary Lillian Nester Altizer, 89, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2012 in Oconee County, GA. She was born on September 24, 1922 in the town of Organ Cave, Monroe County, West Virginia and was the daughter of the late John Everett and Birdie Lillian Hylton Nester. Mary is survived by a brother, Wilbur Nester, sister Ruth Smith, son and daughter-in-law Jim and Christine Altizer of Watkinsville, GA and two grandchildren, Sonia Altizer and her husband, Andrew Davis of Hull, GA and James C. Altizer and his wife Karen of Wake Forest, NC and three great grandchildren, Brandon and Matthew Altizer and Oscar Davis. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband,Harry Altizer four brothers and two sisters. Mary spent most of her childhood in Oak Hill, West Virginia. She was a good student and voted the most popular girl in her class. Mary graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1941 and worked several administrative jobs in the local area. She married her high school sweetheart, Harry Altizer, on October 31, 1943. Together they lived in Glen Rock, PA for 25 years, where they were both employed by Coleman Enterprise Corporation. In 1967, they moved to Bluefield, VA where they resided for 32 years. They were members of the First Union Methodist Church in Bluefield, VA. In November of 1999, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama where her husband passed away in 2003. In June of 2007, Mary moved to Athens, GA to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. Over the years Mary held memberships in numerous organizations including the Eastern Star in Shrewsbury, PA and Virginia Garden Club. She was a longstanding and generous supporter of the Oak Hill High School Alumni Association, dedicated to providing scholarships to many deserving graduates. Mary was an advocate of higher education and, for many years, faithfully attended alumni festivities in Oak Hill every Labor Day. She was very kind, quick with a smile and endeared everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by friends and family!! A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Bluefield, VA. Donations may be made to OHHS/CHS Alumni Association, P. O. Box 462, Oak Hill, WV 25901.