Elizabeth French Gregory
Lillian Elizabeth French Gregory, age 94, passed away on November 5, 2025 after declining health for several years.
Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman as wise, generous, compassionate, hardworking and faithful. To know a woman who possesses all of these qualities is a gift. To call that woman your wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt or friend is a blessing. Elizabeth Gregory was that woman.
Born March 26,1931 to the late Lillian Ruth French and Arthur Haywood French, Elizabeth was a Pittsylvania County native. She was the oldest of six siblings. She is survived by her brother, Johnny French (Ellen) and sister-in-love Joan French. She was predeceased by her sisters: Ruby Crane (Jim), Kathleen Sparks (Rod), Linda Ferguson (J.D.) and her brother Charles French (Joan). She graduated in 1948 from the Whitmell Farm Life School and would soon begin her next chapter with her husband, the late John Smith Gregory, the love of her life.
Faith was the foundation for the loving home that Elizabeth and John shared for 58 years. Together they worshiped at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church and were servants to their Lord and to the community.
Members of the “Southern Squares,” Elizabeth and John spent many Friday evenings square dancing with friends, enjoying the fun and fellowship of others and making remarkable memories.
Some knew Elizabeth as the “Avon lady.” None of us will ever pick up a tiny white lipstick sample without remembering the special friend who took our orders for more than 50 years.
Elizabeth loved her home inside and out. Gardening and cooking were her passions, making sure everyone’s heart and stomachs were full. She could make her house beautiful, especially with her prized flowers and she could fix anything that was broken.
As much as she loved her home, it was the people inside it that she loved most. John and Elizabeth were parents to the late Vickie Cassada (A.B.), Cheryl Richardson (Chuck) and Robin Woodson (Danny). She was grandmother to Mike Cassada (Lanier), Chris Cassada, Jennifer Davis (Tim), David Richardson (Erin), John Richardson (Jamie) and Taylor Woodson.
She was great-grandmother to Hunter (Savannah), Holden, Halle, Maddie, Emmy, Lucas, Colton, Charlee, Rylee and Keely.
The family also wishes to thank Sarah Lawson, Elizabeth’s friend and caregiver for many years.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00PM - 2:00PM at Norris Funeral Services & Crematory - Mount Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Turnpike Danville, VA 24540, with services following at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends and loved ones at the residence of her daughter, Cheryl Richardson, at 358 Jeanette Drive, Danville, Virginia, 24540. A Graveside interment will be on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 2:00PM at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, VA.
