Elizabeth PLUMLEY

NEWPORT NEWS - Zena Elizabeth Roberts Plumely, known to many as "Baby Lou", passed away on Nov. 3, 2010, at the age of 102. She was born in Whaleyville, lived in Portsmouth and finally was a resident of Newport News for the last 21 years.
After her retirement from the Railway Express, she tirelessly devoted herself to family. She loved to make her famous roast beef and gravy seared and boiled in her Mama's pan. Her homemade potato salad, fried chicken and chocolate cake were also family favorites.
Elizabeth's grandchildren loved listening to Nannie's story of the olden days, when she and her sibling would each put a dinner plate on their chair in the parlor on Christmas Eve in hopes of receiving a candy cane, an orange and a toy.
Baby Lou's devotion didn't stop when her grandchildren had children of their own. She and Russell were always loving and supportive. Even after Russell's death in 1988, Elizabeth continued to drive and live independently well into her nineties. It was not uncommon for her granddaughter to come home from work and find Nannie at her house cleaning, doing dishes and washing clothes!
Elizabeth Roberts Plumley was that kind of person. Her heart was so big and her energy boundless; it was the deep and abiding love for family that carried Elizabeth 102 years on this Earth.
The last of the Roberts children to pass from this Earth, Elizabeth will have a joyous reunion in Heaven as she reunited with her beloved husband, Russell; her parents, Algen and Zena; and her nine brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Betty Lou Umphlett Turner (Raymond) of Newport News; four granddaughters, Betsy, Bobbie, Bonnie and Beckie; five great-grandchildren, Casey, Courtney, Heather, Tim and Sarah; three great great-grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at Peninsula Funeral Home with the service to begin immediately after visitation at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Charles Root. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.