Charlotte Anne Lyons Piersol, formerly of Parkersburg, W.Va., died on Nov. 8, 2020, in Blacksburg.
She was born in Parkersburg on Dec. 26, 1926, the daughter of Charles O. and Orma Somerville Lyons. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Richard L. Piersol; her brother, Donald W. Lyons; and her daughter, Elizabeth Piersol Cowgill.
She is survived by her sons, Richard M. Piersol and wife Barbara of Blacksburg, and Dana L. Piersol, of Parkersburg; her grandsons Jacob Piersol and wife Bethany of Henrico, Va., and Andrew Piersol and wife Charley-Anne, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and by her great-grandchildren, Braden, Hank, Sam, and Katie Piersol, of Henrico, and Tyson, Andie, and Clayton Piersol, of Winston-Salem.
Charlotte was a graduate of Parkersburg High School and West Virginia University. She served as librarian at the Parkersburg Branch of the university during its early years in the 1960s. After the death of her husband, she moved with her younger children to Morgantown and completed her degree in library science while working in the University Library. She then returned to Parkersburg where she began a 20-year career as technical librarian in the research division at E. I. duPont.
Widowed at the age of 39, Charlotte courageously embraced the life that lay before her. As a daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was kind and generous, steadfast in her dedication to those she loved, and an inspiration to family and friends who were touched by her warmth and intelligence.
Charlotte loved books. She read widely and constantly throughout her life until her failing eyesight brought an end to one of her greatest joys. She was a keen observer of national and state politics and was equally knowledgeable about the history of her beloved West Virginia and the early settlement of the Ohio Valley.
She also loved music. As a young woman, she became an accomplished pianist. Toward the end of her life, it delighted her to know that her great-grandaughter was learning to play on the piano that was given to Charlotte by her loving husband on Christmas Day in 1950.
With her health in decline, Charlotte moved in 2015 to Warm Hearth Village, Blacksburg, where she could enjoy the companionship and visits of her extended family and receive the professional care that was increasingly necessary for her well-being. Her family is most grateful to the staff of the Kroontje Health Care Center at Warm Hearth for the kindness and affection they provided during Charlotte’s last years.
The family will gather for a memorial service at a future date.
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, and Leavitt Funeral Services, Parkersburg.
