In Loving Memory of
Charles S. Elton
January 19, 1931 – October 28, 2022
Virtual Celebration of Life
Saturday, January 7, 2023
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Charles Elton took his last breath in Leesburg, Virginia, on Friday, October 28, 2022, with his family by his side. Throughout his life Charles touched the lives of so many with his kind heart and gentle soul.
Charles was born on January 19, 1931, in Roanoke, Virginia, to William and Elizabeth Elton. He grew up in Roanoke, graduated from Jefferson High School, and continued his education at Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. While at Tech, Charles was part of the Corps of Cadets, an active member of the German Club, and a writer of the Musical Notes column for the The Virginia Tech student newspaper. His devotion to his beloved Hokies continued until the end.
Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army in an administrative role, spending several years stationed at a base in southwestern Germany. While overseas, he took advantage of vacation time and traveled throughout post World War II Europe, making many friends, and soaking up other cultures and customs, notably mastering the art of twirling pasta like a native Italian.
While in Germany, Charles met his future wife, Maribel Sutherland, who was working on the base as a school librarian. Legend has it that their first date was at a romantic Italian restaurant where they were serenaded by violins, a memory they both loved to share with family and friends over the years. Wed in April of 1959, they enjoyed 56 years of married life together, until Maribel passed away in 2015.
Charles and Maribel settled in Abingdon, while Charles continued his studies, earning a Master of Science degree from East Tennessee State University. From there he went on to teach mathematics at Virginia Highlands Community College. Once he retired, he had a series of ‘Second Acts,’ including hosting ‘Love That Jazz,’ with Ed Charles (his radio ‘name’) on WABN in the late 1980s, and teaching Jazz classics and Big Band courses at the College for Older Adults. Notably, his passion for music was his primary focus post- retirement; he shared this love throughout his later years, regularly hosting weekly singing groups at his independent living facility and, later, at his assisted living facility (both in Loudoun County, Virginia). While he loved to sing (Sinatra and Tony Bennett were favorites), sharing the joy of music and bringing people together through song gave him so much happiness.
He will be remembered by his family for all of the above, but also for entering life in the Kind Lane and for never veering from it, no matter what he encountered. He instilled in his family an appreciation of the spontaneous summer road trip, teaching us that sometimes it isn’t the final destination that stays with you, but rather the places you see along the way. This curiosity about the world — even if it is simply about a town a few miles away — will stay with us forever. It has added such richness to our lives. His love of dogs and cats, and a life spent having them as beloved family members, is something his immediate family took to heart, and we can’t imagine our lives without our much-loved pets.
He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Grossman, and grandson, Daniel Grossman, both of Leesburg, Virginia.
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Charles and Maribel were the epitome of Grace. We were blessed to have known them. We will hold them in our hearts and memories.
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I will always remember Mr. Elton as a genuinely kind, loving endearing soul, who entertained and cared for so many. I’ll not forget his smile, voice and ability to make me and others around us to want to join in that happiness singing, laughing and truly loving and enjoying life and being in his company. He was much loved and will be missed. Thank you Catherine for sharing him with us, he loved you so
Always, Valarie
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What a beautiful tribute!!! Please know that Mr. Elton is fondly remembered by his colleagues – and students – at Virginia Highlands Community College. We are continuing to keep those who loved him close to our hearts and in our thoughts. Warm Regards, Laura Pennington
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I was a care giver for Mr Charles. He was such an inspiration to me. We used to sing ,walk together and he will tell me stories about the past..
A very good conversationalist.
You will be missed by all of us.
Fare thee well.
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Charles was such a devoted friend to my father, Curtis Ramsey, that I would have thought it consumed all of his spare time. But it didn’t, as you can see. What a saint! I will definitely miss him, but knowing the legacy of true friendship he has left behind with so many will always be heart warming. I’m sorry Cathy & Dan for your immense loss. Lovingly, Ann
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My name is Carl “Buck” Coon. I was in the same” SQDN A ” with Charles at VT Class of 54. Charles roomed with Al Motley and we were “RATS” together. I knew Charles to be one of the kindness souls I have ever known and I shall always remember him that way.
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Mr. Elton also taught math at John S. Battle high school in Washington County. He was a very likeable teacher. As a 1970 graduate and 1975 graduate of Virginia Tech. I offer my sincere condolences upon his passing. God bless to all.
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Mr. Elton was a wonderfull man who helped me with a math class that I needed to obtain one of my degrees that led to a successful career in my chosen profession Law Enforcment. I was always greatfull for his help and let others know that. May God Bless the Elton family.
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Charles is certainly missed. I have fond memories of him coming to Oakton to help Catherine become acclimated to Northern Virginia in a new job. She landed not far from where we lived at the time. He was a kind and compassionate man.
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My fond memory of Charles is a trip we took to Canada as part of a national conference for Community College Honor Society leaders. He did most of the driving from Virginia to Canada and let’s say he had a “unique” style of driving that would have all the passengers giggling. All of us knew of his passion for music, especially jazz. He never had a bad word to say to anyone, was always encouraging, and never without a smile on his face. After the trip, he introduced me to his daughter “Cathy” who had recently moved to Northern Virginia, and Cathy and I have been friends ever since. Cathy is the sister I never had, and I will forever be grateful to him for the introduction. I have fond memories of trips to the Outer Banks, during which I was treated as family. What a privilege it was to attend Cathy and Dale’s wedding, where Charles broke out into song. He was the most cheerful person I ever met.