Eleanor Agnes Benton Brinkley, 91, of Suffolk, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2013. A native of Suffolk, she was the daughter of the late Calvin James Benton and Viola Kirchner Benton and also predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Leon M. Brinkley Sr., and her brother, Calvin Benton Jr. Eleanor was a member of Liberty Spring Christian Church, where she worked for many years with the Youth and Women’s Fellowships, as well as serving on many boards and committees. She was an Avon representative for 25 years and especially proud to be an Army wife for 22 years. Eleanor received special recognition for clocking more than 20,000 hours of volunteer time crocheting baby afghans for Navy Relief. She was a devoted wife and mother and great supporter to all of her children and grandchildren throughout their lives; was an avid reader; and crocheted her entire lifetime, making afghans for family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Mike Brinkley and wife, Sandra, of Portsmouth; Jenny B. Johnson and husband, Sam, of Suffolk; Vanessa B. Rodgers and husband, Geary, of Suffolk; and stepson Leon Brinkley Jr. and wife, Betty, of Princeton, Ky.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha “Sissy” Holland; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express special thanks to her long time caregiver, Brenda, for her devoted loving care, as well as her other caregivers, Angie, Linda and JoAnne, whose special care made our mother’s final months of life more comfortable. Thank you to Tida and Chaplain Marsha with Sentara Hospice.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, with the Rev. Allen Lancaster officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service. Burial will be private at Liberty Spring Christian Church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.