Avie Lou Cone

Avie Lou Cone, born on February 21, 1955, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, from complications from frontotemporal dementia.

She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to Avie and John Cowden. Avie attended the College of Charleston - the first in her family to graduate from college. She met her future husband, Charles, on a disastrous blind date. (Ask him about it.) Thankfully, their relationship improved, and they were married on December 16, 1977. A lifelong educator, she taught 4th grade at Ladson Elementary and 1st grade at Stono Park Elementary. Avie and Charles’ daughter, Avie (yes, this obituary has 3 people named Avie), was born in 1986. The Cones enjoyed their time spent together in Charleston - trips to the beach, biking the trails on James Island, and weekly visits to the public libraries. The family moved to Virginia in 1998 where Avie became a teacher at Molly Michie Preschool. The beloved 2-Day and 3-Day Friends teacher, she was an expert at giving hugs, zipping up coats with tricky zippers, and wiping noses. In 2017, Avie retired, enjoying time with her sweet and spoiled grandchildren (including having dance parties jamming to the BeeGees), watching The Price is Right and The Young & The Restless, gardening, reading cozy books and trashy magazines, spending time with her cats in her favorite chair, and baking for her loved ones.

Even though she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2020, she was determined to make the most of her time left with her grandchildren. Up until she couldn’t, she made them cookies (and even asked the boys if they would prefer crispy or chewy cookies), went on walks with them, and let them know they were loved. When her disease worsened, she still enjoyed getting and giving hugs, eating sweets, and still managed the occasional sarcastic “bless your heart” Southern comment. Her last few months were difficult; she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, her family, and in the company of her favorite cat.

A family night will be scheduled shortly at Anderson Funeral Home in Crozet, Virginia; details are forthcoming. Her husband and daughter are determined to show Avie’s trademark Southern hospitality with a joyful time of gathering and remembrance. Wear bright clothes, share stories, and if you’d like to bring your favorite flowers and photos to place in her coffin and show your love for her, the family would be appreciative. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Piedmont or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

Avie is survived by her husband, Charles Edward; her sister, Elizabeth Katherine Cowden; her father-in-law, LTC Franz David Cone, US Army (Retired); her daughter, Avie Lou Thacker (Rodney); and her grandsons, Elijah Alexander Thacker and Wesley James Thacker. The family would like to thank the friends, neighbors, and medical providers who went above and beyond in helping them to care for her.

There will be a visitation Thursday, February 26th at Anderson Funeral Home 5888 St George Ave from 5p-7p

A private burial will be at Thornhill Cemetery with Reveren David Collyer officiating.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home of Crozet, VA