1925
2013
Verlie Eugene Taylor Bender, 87, passed away on May 12, 2013.
Mrs. Verlie, Gene to most was born in Harrellsville, NC and came to work in Norfolk with her sisters during World War II where she served as a switchboard operator for the phone company on the D Day invasion.
Gene to most was a lady of many talents and created beautiful needlework, quilts and even made teddy bears with moving parts. She was a great lover and collector of Teddy Bears and Angels, but her finest accomplishments and what she loved the most were her two sons Michael and Duane. She worked and retired from Borden's Print Shop in 1989 and soon after had several strokes. Not what anyone would choose for retirement, however she accepted her fate and now nineteen years later she is free of the body that threw her a major curve and cheated her of the fun she had planned. She was preceded in death by a brother and five sisters.
She had survived her newly wedded husband being a P.O.W. in WW II, many illnesses, surgery and divorce. She didn't complain much or speak poorly of people but she was a Southern Belle and on occasion, Scarlet took a stand. She has been a great lady and will be missed by her sons, Michael and his wife Carol and granddaughter Terri Batkin and her children Tiffany and Brandon, Tina Batkin and her children Megan Jeffrey & Brian Crouch, a granddaughter Nancy Doherty Healy and her daughter Lauren; a son, Duane and his wife Pam and the only biological grandchild Shannon Bender who was born after she had her strokes and like her grandmother also loves and collects Teddy Bears.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and they never forgot to continue to visit with her.
The family would like to acknowledge the loving care provided by Autumn Care of Norfolk over the past thirteen years.
Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
May 21, 2013
Bob Copeland
Mike,
Rick West sent me an email to let me know. Just wanted to post this note to let you know I am thinking of you.
Bob Copeland
May 18, 2013
Ila Ann Marley Cannon
Dear Duane and Michael,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a very good friend and cousin. We always enjoyed the good times we had knowing her and will never forget her charm and great sense of humor. Our visits with her and Vivian Harris were always so much fun and full of plenty of good laughs.
Please let us know when you have the memorial service.
Ila Ann Marley Cannon & John Cannon Ph: 757 548-0126
May 14, 2013
Dear Michael, Carol and Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You have our very deepest and sincerest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cookie, Scott and Randi
May 14, 2013
Dear Carol and Family,
It has been a pleasure to be able to do Verlie's hair from time to time. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. What a surprise when I read the paper today. She will be missed. It doesn't seem like 13 yrs.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hayden
Autumn Care Stylist
May 14, 2013
Eileen Laughlin Schneider
Dear Duane,
I was sorry to read of your mother's passing. I remember her fondly from our teen years. My mom passed away in 2010 so I know losing your mom is a great loss. Take care and know she is a peace.
May 14, 2013
Vicki Fulmer
Sorry to hear about your mother passing. I used to work at Autumn Care of Norfolk and knew your mother for 14 years. She always made me laugh and I enjoyed talking with her. I will remember her fondly.
My prayers are with you and your family,
Vicki Fulmer (Activity Director)
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more