Evelyn Benthall

Evelyn Benthall, 93, a resident of Williamsburg, VA, and a longtime resident of Parksley, VA, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Born September 5, 1931, in Hampton, VA, she was the daughter of the late Karl Erik Wikstrom and the late Elfrieda Marie Sophia (Schneider) Wikstrom. She was a graduate of Parksley High School and married to the late Richard Stephen Mears, Sr., with whom she raised five children. After the birth of her first child, Evelyn decided to dedicate her life to being the best mother she could be to her children. She was the foundation of the family and could be found every day in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals and desserts. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and was a devout Christian all her life. After her first husband passed away in 1972, she remained single for many years until she met her second husband. She married Henen C. Benthall, Jr. in 1980, and after a short time, they opened a craft business, Evy-Ben Crafts, and traveled to craft shows throughout Virginia. She was also a medical transcriptionist for many years working from medical facilities and finally, working from home.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Richard Steven Mears, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Conway, SC, Mark Allen Mears, Sr. and wife, Cindy, of Newport News, VA, Thomas Wayne Mears, Sr. and wife, Dorothy, of Calabash, SC, Margery Mears Hinman and husband, Warren, of Williamsburg, VA, and Michael Benthall Mears and his wife, Sara, of Bloxom, VA; a step-daughter, Jane Travis, of Dover, DE; a sister, Barbara Cumming, of Newport News; 16 grandchildren, Melanie, Richard III, Kristy, Mark, Jr., Jennifer, Bobby, Tom, Jr., Christina, Christopher, Kathi, Kelli, Joni, Joshua, John, Julia, and Jackson; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Walter R. Wikstrom, Donald E. Wikstrom, and Richard M. Wikstrom; her first husband, Richard S. Mears, Sr.; her second husband; Henen C. Benthall; and a granddaughter, Tiffany Danielle Mears.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Liberty Cemetery in Parksley, VA, with the Reverend Robert Coniglio officiating. Family will receive friends at Williams-Parksley Funeral Home one hour prior to the service.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.