Nila Jean (Berisford) Markey

January 7, 1934 - August 5, 2019

01/07/1934 - 08/05/2019

Past Services

Visitation
Thursday August 08, 2019
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapel
118 Grant Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
304-845-4560 | Directions
Cemetery
Friday August 09, 2019
Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens
Sherrard, WV 26038
Directions
Service
Friday August 09, 2019
10:00 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapel
118 Grant Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
304-845-4560 | Directions

Nila Jean (Berisford) Markey, 85, of Glen Dale, WV, passed away Monday, August 5, 2019, at her home.

Nila was born January 7, 1934, in Moundsville, WV, a daughter of the late Robert and Sarah “Evelyn” (Crow) Berisford. She was a former employee of Fostoria Glass Co., Moundsville; a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, Glen Dale; and member of the Marshall County Homemakers, for over 40 years.

Nila is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence E. Markey; two children, Vickie Markey-Tekely and her husband, Jimmy of St. Clairsville, OH, and Sean Markey of Belmont, WV; a sister, Elizabeth Wallace of Baltimore, MD; and a granddaughter, Lauren Tekely.

Friends will be received from 4-8 pm, Thursday, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapel, 118 Grant Avenue, Moundsville, where funeral services will be held at 10 am, Friday, August 9, 2019, with the Rev. Joseph M. Augustine officiating. Interment will follow in Halcyon Hills Memorial Park, Sherrard, WV.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.

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Gregg Crow
4 years ago

From the family of Don and Shirley Crow (Nilah’s Uncle Don) & sons.
Lawrence, Sean and Vicki. I am writing both for dad and family, as well as myself.
We were very heartbroken to hear the news about Jeanie. I was the one who had to break the news to dad, and I almost wish I hadn’t. He took it very very hard, and still is very broken.
Dad and mom live here in Columbus now (about 5 minutes from me), and at 92 years of age, he is not doing so well, but is fighting hard to hang on in order to care for mom – she is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it has been a very tough couple of years.
Dad would’ve liked to be there, but he just can’t travel anymore, and he won’t leave mom’s side.
Lawrence, he thought about sending you a card, but he is just so broken these days that he cannot find the words, so he asked me if I would connect with you and the kids.
When I told him, I tried to get him to sit down before I gave him the news, but stubborn as he is, he needed to know right then and there. He completely fell apart just continually saying ‘poor little girl’, and ‘she was just the greatest’. He said that Jeanie and Libby were more like sisters to him than they were nieces.
I don’t know if you knew, but after his mom and dad passed away, his sister Evelyn (my Aunt Evelyn)…Nilah’s mom, took dad in for awhile, so in reality, they really did live more like siblings than uncle/nieces.
He is still hurting as I write this, and I am writing this just as Nilah is being laid to rest. It is a sad day for sure, and it is a sadness that he, the family, and myself will never get over.
My personal relationship with Jeanie is as follows:
Lawrence, when I was just a little kid…seems like an eternity ago (I am an old man now)… I remember Christmas Eve celebrations at your house…it was the highlight of the season for me. I had never known anyone who had a stone fireplace before and boy was I pumped that I had a family member who had one. I was fascinated with that fireplace… and the Christmas Eve celebrations with you all (and Aunt Evelyn too). A memory that will last as long as I will.
My memories of Nilah are her constant and infectious smile, her mild manner, and kindness and generosity.
I know for fact that she loved you all as she talked about you all every time I ran into her (most recent years were when she was working the entrance gate at the Elizabeth Town festival).
We would hold up the line while talking and trying to catch up on our lives (I’m sure others waiting in line didn’t appreciate it much, but hey, I didn’t get to see her often, so when I did, well, I just figured the rest of the world could afford us a few minutes).
It was during those times when I would ask how each of you were and she would talk endlessly about you all…or at least as long as those waiting in line would tolerate.
This is how I know of her deep love for you all, and so I know her leaving us all behind was not of her own accord. I just think God… and Aunt Evelyn (kids, your grandma), just saw that she was tired, and her work here on earth was done.
She raised two fine children, and Lawrence, from my heart to yours, I always kinda looked up to you.
I seem to recall a mild-mannered man who said little, but what was said was always from the heart.
God bless you and the kids, and try to find peace in the fact that she no longer suffers any of life’s many pains. For sure, we will all see her again…yes, some of us before the others, but the wait will make the reunion all the more sweet.
Again, God bless you all, and know that I am saddened today… and will remain so, but out of justice and honor to her spirit I will try to remember that infectious smile every time the sadness sets in.
For sure, I will see her again. Absolutely you all will see her again. Keep that thought in your minds, and in your hearts.
Gregg

Richard, Felicia, Andy, Angela Niehaus
4 years ago

It is with deep felt sadness that we send our condolences to a beautiful family. Lawrence, Sean, Vickey … you are in our prayers that God may be with you and your families in this time of sorrow. It is with love that we share your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma. I’m sure Nila will be looking down and smiling on her family from heaven through eternity.

Brad Hess
4 years ago

Lawrence and Family: So sorry to her of your wife and mother’s passing. May God bless you in your time of sorrow as He welcomes Nila into the fold.

Debbie Randolph Gorby
4 years ago

So sorry. Prayers for your family Vicky.

Pam Campbell
4 years ago

Rest in peace, Aunt Nila. I will miss her and always remember all the great holidays she worked so hard to have the families together. I have wonderful memories from my childhood and adulthood. So proud and blessed to have her for my Aunt.

Lorraine Connell
4 years ago

A wonderful caring women who had a heart of gold! Will be missed by all. May God bless your family.

Maxine Smith
4 years ago

So sorry for your loss , prayers for the family. Nila will be missed . She was a dear friend.

Jennifer Henry
4 years ago

Nila was a very sweet lady enjoyed going up there on the Turkey Eve party. Prayers for Lawrence and family.

Gary and Teresa Church
4 years ago

I have a very sad heart tonight after learning of the passing of my very “Dear” Cousin Nila (Berisford) Markey. You have departed this earth to soar high in Heaven and sit by God’s side. Teresa and I will miss you so very much. Love You…

Brent Sears, Debbie Stevens husband
4 years ago

All of the effort that she led for all those wonderful Thanksgiving roasts. I don’t know how she did it! A community minded, family oriented leader. She’ll be missed by so many communities.