Elizabeth Islin Saffelle

Elizabeth Islin Saffelle, 93, of Burlington died peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025. Originally from Newport News, VA, she was the daughter of the late Edward Nelson Islin and Mary Elizabeth Eley Islin. She is pre-deceased by her husband of 62 years, Robert Luther Saffelle, Jr. She is survived by her son Robert Nelson Saffelle and wife Constance Hall Saffelle of Richmond, VA, and daughter Ginger Saffelle Elliott and husband John VanTuyl Elliott of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren Elizabeth Saffelle Gordon (husband Robert Gordon) of Charlottesville, VA, Katherine Saffelle Corey (husband Mason Corey) of Richmond, VA, Ashley Elliott Hill (husband Andrew Hill) of Charlotte, NC, Anna Elliott Allbright (husband Tim Allbright) of Winston-Salem, NC, John Robert Elliott (wife Kristin Heyward) of Raleigh, NC and Mary Elizabeth Elliott of Chapel Hill, NC, and 6 great-grandchildren.

She attended Warwick High School in Newport News, VA, where she was the first female president of the student body and voted Miss Warwick. She graduated from Longwood College in Farmville, VA in 1954, where she majored in Elementary Education and was a member of Pi Kappa Sigma sorority and the secret honorary society, Chi. She taught 3rd grade in Newport News, and after marrying and moving to begin their new life in North Carolina and Bob's banking career at Wachovia Bank, she taught 3rd grade in Winston-Salem, NC and 2nd grade in Salisbury, NC. In Salisbury, in addition to having her children, Rob and Ginger, she was an active member of First United Methodist Church, served as President of the Henderson Elementary School PTA, and enjoyed her bridge club, book club and many friends.

After moving to Burlington in 1971, she and Bob immersed themselves in the community, Front Street United Methodist Church, and continued their life as an exemplary "banking couple," in all the positive aspects that suggests. At Front Street United Methodist Church, she established the Altar Guild, originated and implemented the Church's beautiful Chrismon trees and handmade white and gold decorations, developed the position and became the Church's first wedding consultant/director, served as president of United Methodist Women, and played in the Epworth Ringers handbell choir. She volunteered weekly at Meals on Wheels for 24 years, and she enjoyed her bridge, book and garden clubs.

She loved being with her family and socializing with friends at The Village at Brookwood, playing bridge, and participating in her weekly exercise classes and Bible study. She enjoyed her friends of many years as well as cultivating new friends at every opportunity. The family wishes to thank her primary caregiver, Betty Jones, and others from Life at Home Senior Care, for their heartfelt care and support.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Front Street United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. A private burial for the family will be held at Alamance Memorial Park prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Front Street United Methodist Church, Music Fund/Handbell Choir, P.O. Box 2597, 136 Fisher Street, Burlington, NC 27215 or AuthoraCare Collective Hospice Home, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.