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Marian Elaine Brown Benn passed away due to complications of congestive heart failure on May 17, 2022. She was born in Charles City County to Ruth and Lewis Brown, the youngest of seven children. After graduation from Ruthville High School, she attended Virginia State College for her undergraduate degree and later received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University. She is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

She worked as an educator in the Virginia public school system for 34 years, mostly in Nansemond County/Suffolk City Schools. She retired as a Primary School Reading Specialist.

Elaine married Mack Benn Jr. in June of 1955 and enjoyed 41 years of marriage until his death in May 1997.

She relocated to Sun City West, Ariz., in 2000 and lived in the best cul-de-sac in the state, surrounded by loving neighbors. She was a longtime member of Advent Episcopal Church in Sun City West until her health declined, and she moved to The Heritage at Carefree.

Elaine is survived by two sons, Mack (Denise) and Bruce (Tonyce); several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10, at Advent Episcopal Church, 13150 W. Spanish Garden Drive, Sun City West, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation in memory of Elaine Benn to Mack Benn, Jr. Elementary School,  1253 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23434, or online at tinyurl.com/ElaineBennDonation. The donations will be used for the library reading resource program.