Margaret Benjamin Hurst Felton (Bennie) passed away on Dec. 28, 2017. She was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1929, the daughter of Thomas Benjamin Hurst Jr. and Margaret Elizabeth Shehigh Hurst.

She spent her childhood years in Ditchley on the Northern Neck. Bennie graduated from Wicomico High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1949. She received a Master of Science in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University in 1970. Bennie married Marcus Delman Felton in 1951 and joined his church, Holy Neck Christian Church. She played the piano and organ and directed the choir for 40 years. She taught in the Suffolk city school system for 36 years.

Surviving are her five children, Carol Felton-Pence (Buddy) of Woodstock, Marcus Felton Jr. (

Carol Anne), of Clemmons, N.C., John Felton (Gayle — deceased), Margaret “Beth” Goodwin (Ron), and Anita Holland (Dewitt), of Windsor. Her grandchildren are Ben Goodwin (Missy), Daniel Goodwin (Prairie Rose), Amber Hamilton (Chris), Justan Maher-Felton (Lyssa), Dustan Maher-Felton, Marcus Felton III, Evan Felton, Amy Spruill, Betsy Head (Steve), Timothy Smullen Jr. (Leslie) and Anthony Smullen (Sarah). Her great-grandchildren are Alexis Goodwin, Brantley Goodwin, Jamison McDonnell, Addison McDonnell, Aria Goodwin, Mirabel Goodwin, Aiden Bryant, Isabelle Smullen, Natalie Smullen and Ella Maher-Felton. She is also survived by her sister, Eunice Thrift, of Wicomico Church.

Bennie lived a full life with close ties to her family, friends, students and church. Her friendly caring ways made those around her feel loved and treasured. She loved the beach, cooking, canning, flowers and music. She shared her talents with her church, family and local programs, including arranging music and writing a Felton family song. She will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Holy Neck Christian Church, 4400 Holy Neck Road, Suffolk, VA 23437, with the Rev. Dave Meadors and the Rev. Norman March officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at Parr Funeral home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Memorial gifts may be made to the Davis or Nathan Peace Scholarship Funds at Holy Neck Christian Church, 4400 Holy Neck Road, Suffolk, VA 23437. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.