Elizabeth K. Dalton

1930 - 2025

Elizabeth K Dalton

March 20, 1930 - May 23, 2025

Elizabeth K. Dalton (Bette) passed away on May 23, 2025 in Richmond, Va. at the age of ninety-five. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Dr. James B. Dalton, Jr. (Jimmy).

Bette was born on March 20, 1930, in Gainesville, Ga. to Edwin D. Kenyon and Desma P. Kenyon. She is survived by her five children, Susan D. Presson (Dean), Dr. Vince Dalton, Breck Dalton (Deinna), Mark Dalton, and Sarah D. McWhirt (Steve), and eleven grandchildren.

Bette first attended Carleton College, where she was known as "Georgia." True to her nickname, she eventually fled south to escape the Minnesota winters, ultimately graduating from Duke University with a degree in Shakespeare and 17th Century Literature. Her studies only furthered her innate love of words, all of which she exemplified throughout her life and final days: joy, grace, wonder, magic, compassion, love, laughter, and honor.

Bette was passionate about the organizations she belonged to (some of which she was a board member), including: Monticello in Charlottesville, the Tuckahoe Woman's Club, the Collegiate Schools, Colonial Williamsburg, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Country Club of Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and The Children's Hospital Foundation.

Bette was ever-curious about the world around her, and loved adventure in all its forms--international trips, weekend getaways to the beloved family property on the Chesapeake Bay, and everywhere in between. She lived by the insistent belief that one should learn something new every day, and loved getting to know those around her--frequently asking anyone from family members to restaurant waiters, "do you live with any regrets?" or "what are your hopes and dreams?"

She had an insatiable love of literature (a proud member of two book clubs!), flowers, music, and sports. She enjoyed cheering for her favorite teams (including the Green Bay Packers, Coach K's Duke basketball team, and her children's sports teams at Collegiate). She brought light into every room she entered through her natural beauty (getting her hair done twice a week, well into her nineties!), bright wardrobe (much of it purple, and sparkly), and prevailing zest for life, which shines bright through her legacy. Encapsulating her ninety-five wonderful years, Bette's favorite Shakespeare quote says it best: "All's well that ends well."

The family and Bette would like to thank the wonderful care she received from Westminster Canterbury (Richmond), and especially the enduring love and support she received from her longtime caregivers, Osinia Taylor, Michelle Woodson, and many others.

In accordance with Bette and Jim's final wishes, their bodies were donated to the Anatomical Society for medical research. A memorial service and celebration of Bette's life will be held at the Westminster Canterbury Chapel (Richmond) on July 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.