It is with deep sadness that her family announces the passing of Mrs. Martena Marshall Bonawell, lovingly known as Dale, on June 24, 2025. Born on April 26, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Saint Elmo Marshall and Anna Mae Marshall.
Dale worked at the T-shirt factory in Parksley, and after becoming a mother, she began working at the Saxis crab houses cleaning soft crabs so she could stay close to her pride and joy — her son, Pete.
She loved music and she loved to dance. Whether she was teaching her first granddaughter how to clean soft crabs or making saltine and butter crackers for her youngest granddaughter, you could be sure there was music playing in the background.
Dale enjoyed spending her days sipping on Dr. Pepper while watching old Westerns with her beloved fur baby, Baby Kitty, curled up in her lap. She never met an animal she didn’t love.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Pete Bonawell and his partner, Missy; her granddaughters, Jessica Thornes and husband, Woody, and Victoria Taylor and husband, Dylan; her great-grandson, Levi Thornes; her aunt, Sue Newhart; her nephew, Max Marshall; her great-niece, Renee Judge and husband, Daniel; and her cousin, Jamie Linton and partner, Mel; along with several other loving family members.
Dale was predeceased by her brother, Maxwell Marshall, his wife, Sandra, and their daughter, Grace West.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Kasi and Chad Chance for their compassionate care and support during Dale’s journey with dementia.
Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 1, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Wyatt Bridges officiating. Private interment was held at the Ellis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Williams Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Parksley, VA 23421, www.williamsfuneralhomes.com/payments to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
