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A family, a church, a college, a community, Virginia Baptists and other friends came together to mourn the loss of Eva Vest Easley, who died August 29, 2008, but more importantly to recognize and celebrate the lifetime of service and hospitality of this beloved community servant.

October 8, 2008

A family, a church, a college, a community, Virginia Baptists and other friends came together to mourn the loss of Eva Vest Easley, who died August 29, 2008, but more importantly to recognize and celebrate the lifetime of service and hospitality of this beloved community servant.    

During a memorial ceremony on the campus of Bluefield College, September 2, 2008, family and friends from First Baptist Church, Bluefield College, the Greater Bluefield community and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board filled BC's Harman Chapel -- indicative of the breadth of her generosity and influence -- to pay tribute to Easley, who died after a courageous battle with cancer.    Born January 10, 1924 in Bluefield, West Virginia, Easley was a longtime member of Bluefield College's Board of Trustees, carrying on a family tradition that began during the establishment of the school in 1922.    

"Eva was a dear friend to Bluefield College and the many people who make up the campus community," said President David Olive, who shared stories of Easley's love for BC athletic, convocation, and fine arts events. "She loved our students, and she gave her life in service not only to the college, but to her church and community, as well. She was passionate in all that she did, and that's why the little things -- things often overlooked by others -- meant so much to her. We will greatly miss her."    

Easley was named an honorary alumna of Bluefield College in 1988 for her loyalty to the institution. She received the school's Mildred Sullivan Award for service to the community in 1995.    

"She was always a happy person and always encouraged me when she could," said Dr. Dan Grabeel, who grew up in Bluefield with Easley before serving alongside her on the BC Board of Trustees. "She did an outstanding job in anything she was asked to do as a trustee. Bluefield and Bluefield College have lost a strong supporter, but our loss is Heaven's gain."    

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Bluefield, Easley served in many church leadership and ministry capacities. Beyond her church for Baptist, she was a member of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, the Executive and Education Committees of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Ad Hoc Blue Ribbon Committee for Seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Development Committee of Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and the Board of Directors for Hargrave Military Academy.    

Dr. Fred Anderson, executive director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and a lifelong friend to Easley, spoke about her hospitality and natural ability to make friends. He shared stories about the ways in which Easley opened her home to missionaries and Baptist leaders. "She taught her guests, by example, all about giving," Dr. Anderson said.    Active in civic and community affairs, Easley was chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Mercer County Board of Education, and Mercer County's Bible in the Schools program. She was also a member of the Riley Vest Post #9 American Legion, the Xi Omicron Chapter of Beta Sigma Pi, the Bluefield Fine Arts Commission, the Salvation Army's Board and Women's Auxiliary, and the Bluefield Historical Commission.    

A 60-year cancer survivor before her death, Easley also served on the West Virginia Cancer Association and the West Virginia Heart Association.    

Other speakers for her memorial program included a grandson, Preston Tyler Beckett, who shared the intimate story of the creation of Easley's nickname, Mimino; Rev. Michael Snider, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Bluefield, who spoke of Easley's contributions to the community; Rev. Edward Fisher, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bluefield, who spoke of her commitment to her church; and Dr. Charles Nunn, a former pastor of First Baptist Church, who spoke about how Easley would leave lights on in the windows of her house, symbolic of her waiting for guests and friends to come home.    

"Keep a light on for us, Eva," said Dr. Nunn, speaking of her new eternal home. "Keep a light on for us, 'cause we're coming home."    

Bryant Moxley and Lisa Moxley, professors of music at Bluefield College, provided special music for the program.    

Easley is survived by her husband of 63 years, F. Tyler Easley, a trustee emeritus at Bluefield College; a daughter, Rebecca Easley Beckett, and her husband, John; and grandchildren Preston, Keith and Anthony Beckett.    

Memorial contributions may be made to Bluefield College's Easley Library. For more information, please e-mail the BC Office of Public Relations at .

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