Born on June 24, 1940, Hiram Lee Blakey grew up in the close-knit community of Graves Mill, Virginia, during a time when life was shaped by hard work, family, and the realities of segregation. He was the sixth of nine children born to Lester Franklin Blakey and Frances Hill Blakey.

Astorie Turner Acty was born on January 9, 1935, to the late William and Viola Cousins Turner
in Achsah, Madison County, Virginia. She was the fifth of 13 children in the Turner
family, a household filled with love, music, and faith.

Edward Snyder Gordon, affectionately called “Skip” by his family and friends, was born December 8, 1939, to the late Conway and Katherine Frances Gordon in the community of Tanners in Madison County.

Our third “Hometown Histories” profile features Mrs. Lillian Turner Holly, who was born in Madison and returned to our community later in life with her husband Hank. Lillian enjoyed an extraordinary career as a teacher. MCAAHA met with Lillian recently to learn more about Lillian’s gifts as a wife, mother, homemaker, and educator.

Our second “Hometown Histories” profile features Mr. William Lee Frye, Sr., a lifelong resident of the Shelby area of Madison County. Mr. Frye inspires us with his love of family and his hometown roots, as well as his admirable work ethic and craftsmanship skills!

Introducing our Hometown Histories! Our first spotlight features Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Blakey Jones, a native of Madison. Her family was among those displaced from Shenandoah National Park.