Eleanor Sibold Munsey

Eleanor Sibold Munsey, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on May 1, 2024.

Eleanor was the 4th daughter of 7 born to Frank and Mila (Reynolds) Sibold in Newport in Giles County, VA on May 6th in 1925. She grew up simply in a rural community during the depression era. She had a positive outlook and a deep Christian faith. She always looked for the good in people and did her best with her life.

She had been a member of Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, VA since 1957.

Eleanor taught 4th grade at Cleveland Elementary School in the Greenspring Community of Washington County, VA in the late 1950's. She opened her own private kindergarten in her home on Main Street in Abingdon in the early 1960's.

During her life, she was a Director of Christian Education at Central Presbyterian Church in Bristol, VA. Eleanor was also a tutor for Washington County, VA schools, a teacher at St. John's Lutheran Preschool. She was a member of the DAR, Mattie Roundtree Women's Club, and Circles at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, Eleanor was active in various charities, PTAs and the John S. Battle Band booster events. She was a member of a women’s Bridge group that met twice a month for 31 years.

Eleanor loved to write poetry and wrote her memoirs in a book called Clover Hollow which included memories about her childhood. She loved to paint, draw, embroider and play bridge.

Many folks considered her to have been the epitome of a Southern lady. She was graceful, kind, hard- working, very optimistic and dedicated to her family, church and community.

She is survived by her son, Randy Munsey (Sharon) of North Fort Myers, FL; grandson, Bryan Munsey (Katie) of Lake Mary, FL; daughter, Mary Munsey of Abingdon, VA; and granddaughter, Amanda (Dalton Puckett) of Bristol, VA.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, R. H. Munsey; six sisters, Edith Harper, Sarah Grizzard, Dolly Terrell, Louise Rison, Frankie Oliver and Duane Freeborn. 

Eleanor was 5 days away from age 99 when she passed. She was a pleasant, loving and caring person. Even though she didn't know the names of folks she lived with in assisted living and memory care the past few years of her life, she held their hands, was kind to them, tried to help them and looked out for them.

The family wants to thank Deanna White, Anne Wampler and Debbie Lowry for the exemplary care they gave Eleanor in the last years of her life.

Eleanor would want her family and friends to know that God loves them and that she loved them too.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:30 with a visitation from 2:00-2:30 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception following the service in the fellowship hall at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA  at 4:00 Saturday afternoon October 5th. 

The family of Eleanor Sibold Munsey is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory Main Street Location, Abingdon, Virginia, (276) 623-2700.