On June 17, 2026, our beloved mother, Crystal V. Appleby, was called home to be with the Lord. She lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to Christ, and guided by the teachings of the Holy Bible.
Crystal was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. She shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and an unyielding trust in God’s plan. She showed her love for others as a registered nurse for over 42 years, a medical missionary working in overseas countries as a primary physician, counselor at a halfway house, youth leader, speaker, lecturer, and Bible teacher.
Born in 1929 to George and Georgia Stiles in Marion, N.C., the family moved to Danville, Va., when Crystal and her sister Lucille were very young. After completing high school, Crystal received her professional education as a registered nurse.
Crystal met and married Joseph Beaver while working at Walter Reed Hospital. They later moved to Huntingdon, Pa., where they raised three children. She was employed at J.C. Blair Hospital in Huntingdon for several decades and retired as the Emergency Department Clinical Coordinator. While working full-time, Crystal raised her children in the ways of the Lord, teaching them to love, to serve, and to trust in Him always.
Several years after Joe’s passing, Crystal married Robert Appleby in 1996. Together they traveled the world, served on several missionary trips, and enjoyed spending time with their blended family at their home in Hesston, Pa. After Robert’s passing in 2007, Crystal relocated to Altoona, Pa. After many visits to Gloucester County over the years, she made the permanent move to James Store in 2024.
Crystal Appleby is survived by her children, Mark Beaver (Rebecca), Joy Kane (Frank); stepchildren, Karyn Ward, Michael Appleby (Genevieve), Beth Eslinger (Brad), Amy Shirk (Gary); several nephews and nieces, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also remembered with love by a host of dear friends from her church community and friends while at assisted living.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Appleby; her husband, Joseph Beaver, her sister, Lucille Kirks, and her daughter, Lynette Ziner.
While we grieve her passing, we find solace in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God’s eternal Kingdom. Crystal found comfort in verses such as II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Crystal now rests in the arms of the Savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
A celebration of Crystal’s life will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6470 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061 on Friday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m., where we will gather to honor her memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date in Huntingdon.