Mildred Elizabeth Parsons passed away at home with hospice care in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 22, 2024, at age of 64.

Elizabeth was a farm girl. She was born and raised in Natural Bridge by her parents Pete and Millie Parsons. She enjoyed riding on her father’s tractor, inspecting the cattle, and doing farm chores after school and on weekends. She grew up in the High Bridge Presbyterian Church. 

She graduated from Natural Bridge High School, Bridgewater College with a bachelor’s degree, and the University of Virginia with a master’s degree. She studied elementary education, school administration, and was best known for excellence in the classroom as a reading specialist. She was a favorite teacher among the students over her 35 years of teaching and was once honored as Teacher of Year in Louisa County.

Elizabeth was a natural athlete. She played volleyball and lacrosse in college, loved golf and tennis, and coached women’s sports in school. 

Elizabeth was fond of organizing social events in church, school and her neighborhoods. The Parsons family will always remember her for having a big hand at making their annual family golf reunion a colorful fun-filled event. Elizabeth had a soft spot for animals, an inclination for the outdoors, and special liking for picnics. She is remembered for her cheerful disposition and youthful laugh.

In 1993 she had the top score at the annual Parsons Family Golf Open tournament. She played tennis with her cousin Mary Parsons Black and her husband, U.S. Navy Capt. Ron Black. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Millie Parsons, and her first husband, Louis Caplan.

Elizabeth is survived by her stepson, David Caplan (Kate); grandchildren Louie and Lena, and her aunt Carol Close of Maryland, and many cousins of the Mosier and Parsons family. Her lifelong friends were Debbie Watts Dangerfield and Becky Lotts Flint.

Elizabeth loved her dogs, cuddling them often when she was sick. She touched many students’ lives and was their beloved reading teacher.

A private celebration of life service was held in Orlando at Blankenship Home on Sept. 29.