Elizabeth Buckle

Elizabeth (Beth) Buckle died July 18, 2004 at her home in Cedarfield after a long illness. She was 82. A loving wife and parent, a committed teacher and an enthusiastic leader among community volunteers, she is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, James R. Buckle; a daughter, Dianne Buckle Jefferson of Richmond; a son, Eugene (Gene) Buckle of Portland, Oregon; and four grandchildren, Townsend Duane and Kathryn Jefferson of Richmond, and Megan and Warren Buckle of Portland. Born in Fountain Inn, S.C. and raised in Charleston, W.Va., Mrs. Buckle was the daugther of the late Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Holcombe. A long time resident of Richmond, she was a teacher in the Lower School at St. Catherine's from 1960 through 1968 and tutored children with dyslexia for many years. She was a graduate of Ward-Belmont, a preparatory school in Nashville, and a graduate of Duke University with a degree in education. Her volunteer work and leadership spanned a wide array of cultural, philanthropic, educational and religious activity. She served as president of The Council of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, president of The Women's Committee of the Richmond Symphony, president of The Tuckahoe Women's Club, president of Women of the Church at First Presbyterian Church and president of Windsor Farms Garden Club. As a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1953, she also served there as an Elder and as the wedding coordinator for 15 years. In 1995, she was honored with a Life Membership of Presbyterian Women. She was a member of the Woman's Club, where she served on the Education Endowment Fund, and was a member of other organizations, including the Collectors' Circle of the Virginia Museum, the Commission for the 175th Anniversary of The Governor's Mansion, the Junior League of Richmond, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames of America, the Daughters of the Baron of Runnemede, and The Country Club of Virginia. An active tour guide for many years for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, she was also a docent emeritus for the Virginia Museum and had deep interest in art history with her own private collection, traveling the world to enhance her knowledge in this field. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd., Richmond, Va. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to The First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd., Richmond, Va. 23226.