September 22, 2011

God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired place. God saw you getting weaker, and He whispered, come to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Kathlean Body. She was born May 8, 1938, in Southampton County, Va., to the late Essie and Otis Bennett.

Kathlean retired from Hillcrest Convalescent Home after more than 30 years of service.

She lived a long and fulfilling life as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Body Sr.; brother, Otis Bennett Jr.; sisters, Clara Faltz and Sylvia Knight.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters, Judy Body, Selma Mann, Kathy Body and Carrie White; one son, Samuel Body Jr.; seven sisters, Essie Bennett, Arnethia Bennett, Zirdarn Savage, Nancy Eley, Gena Eley, Janet Eley and Ann Pearson; two brothers, Michael Eley and James Eley; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Ms. Body will be on view at the funeral home from noon to 7 p.m., and the family will receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 30. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. She will be laid to rest at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy, cards of condolence and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.

Professional funeral arrangements are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral home, Inc.