Oscar Worth Elliott

Oscar Worth Elliott, known as Worth, of Lansing, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Margate Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Ashe County, to Essie and George Elliott, on February 9, 1930, Worth was 91 years old.

Worth’s Ashe County roots were deep. Worth came of age when non-farm jobs were rare, and trading gathered ginseng roots for other goods or one service for another was customary. People took baths in wash tubs. His stories of delivering mail on horseback and early days in Lansing transported listeners back to former times. These stories provided fascinating oral history to those unfamiliar with Ashe County’s past.

Worth’s love of the outdoors is shared by all his children. Worth’s skill and love of hunting turkeys, quail, deer, and other wild game was passed on to his sons. Grouse hunting was a special passion.  In earlier days, Worth went fox hunting with his friends.

Throughout Worth’s life he constantly displayed his mechanical ingenuity whether in various work settings, in his home or in the homes of others. Trained as an electrician and in HVAC work, Worth was self-taught in many other areas. Worth often applied his knowledge of motors, automobiles, and appliance repair to keep various machines smoothly operating. Displaying helpfulness and mechanical competence, he repaired a neighbor’s broken oven on Thanksgiving Day. Worth designed his own unique home heating and water systems, repaired watches, and restored and sometimes devised his own tools.

Worth enjoyed gardening, gospel singing, and bluegrass music. Many folks savored the magnificent blueberries he shared. He, also, was one of the lucky individuals at peace with himself. In a long life, well-lived, Worth enjoyed independence and mostly excellent health. He was able to pursue his interests with the loving support of his late wife, Clara. Worth’s independence was prolonged by nurturing help from his sister Julie Richardson and her late husband John plus other family members, neighbors, and friends.

Worth is survived by his children: one daughter, Kassia Elliott and her husband, Lars Nance of Carrboro, North Carolina; three sons, Durwin Elliott, and his wife Wanda, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Kelwin Elliott of Hamilton, Montana, and Nolan Elliott of Newman Lake, Washington. Five grandchildren survive: Celena Watson and her husband Dale, of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, Heather Rayle, and husband Chris, of Alpharetta, Georgia; Seth Elliott, of Hamilton, Montana; Dashel Nance of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Kinley Elliott, of Newman Lake, Washington. Predeceasing her grandfather was Samantha Elliott of Hamilton, Montana. Four great grandchildren survive:  Calissa and Troy Watson of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, along with Madelyn and Clara Rayle of Alpharetta, Georgia.

Surviving siblings include: one sister, Julie Richardson and two brothers, Wayne Elliott and his wife Virginia, Claude Elliott, and his wife Louise, all of Lansing. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members survive. Predeceasing Worth were his wife, Clara, and siblings, Doil, Edna, Earl, Elsie, and Frank.

The viewing, funeral services and burial are planned for Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens. The body will lie in repose for viewing from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm; due to the recent COVID resurgence, only part of the family will be present during the lie in repose.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Larry Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family requests no food gifts please.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider Generations Ashe, formally Ashe Services for Aging, with a Meals on Wheels designation. The address is 180 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

For everyone’s safety, COVID protocols will be observed.  The family requires that everyone wear a mask and social distance.  Masks are available at Ashelawn.