Alma Louise (McCauley) Costilow

Alma Louise (McCauley) Costilow, age 93, of Flemington, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 25, 2026 with family by her side.  She was born December 20, 1932, in Flemington, WV, a daughter of the late Hartsell and Bertha A. McCauley.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Willard Costilow, whom she married June 20, 1953.

Alma is survived by four children: Joseph W. Costilow, Crystal R. (Costilow) Brake and husband William, Robert L. Costilow and wife Gatha, and David E. Costilow and wife Karrie; four grandchildren: Nicole L. Costilow and partner Gregory Kennedy, Timothy R. Brake and wife Summer, Bethany M. (Costilow) Lach and husband Jeremy, and Jesse L. Brake; ten great-grandchildren: Maggie B. Brake, Sofia G. Brake, Morgan P. Costilow, Jade I. Hall, Jaxson E. Hall, Casey D. Kennedy, Parker A. Kennedy, Stephanie C. Kennedy, Brent A. Lach, and Mallory J. Lach; two sisters: Roberta Gallo and Evelena Payne; one sister-in-law: Shirley McCauley; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Alma was preceded in death by one brother, Dessel McCauley; two sisters: Correna Curtis and Emogene Shaffer; two half-brothers: Ray McCauley and George Shaffer; and one half-sister: Caroline Lane.

Alma grew up in Flemington and graduated from Flemington High School in 1951.  Her love for her community remained a defining part of her life.  She retired from the Taylor County Board of Education where she worked at Flemington Elementary School and Grafton High School from 1971 to 1994.  She was a member of Flemington United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.  She was also active in local civic organizations, including the Flemington PTA, Fire Department Auxiliary, and Women's Club.

Among her many contributions, Alma took great pride in preserving Flemington's history.  In 1982, through her efforts as president of the Flemington Women's Club, funding was secured for the West Virginia College historical marker that still stands near Flemington Elementary School today, serving as a lasting reminder of the area's educational heritage and of her dedication to the town she loved.  She also designed and promoted woven throw blankets featuring the town's historic landmarks, a project that was warmly embraced and enjoyed by many members of the community.

Alma had a lifelong love of crocheting, sewing, and quilting, and in retirement she found great joy in using her long-arm quilting machine to create beautiful quilts for others.  Each quilt reflected the kindness, caring spirit, and unwavering devotion she shared with family and friends throughout her life.  As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.

The Costilow family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided to Alma during her final months.  The kindness and dedication shown by the hospice team brought comfort to both Alma and her family.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Flemington United Methodist Church, C/O Jesse Brake, P.O. Box 452, Flemington, WV  26347.

The Costilow family will receive friends at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Avenue, Grafton, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., and at Flemington United Methodist Church, 19 Berry Run Road, Flemington, on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the church with Reverend Jimmy Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow at the Flemington I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

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