Mrs. Ann Parker Bennett Elder, 87, wife of the late Charles Richard “Chuck” Elder, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 1, 1938, in Cashville, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Murrell Parker and Pauline Hinman Parker.
Ann was a graduate of Onancock High School, class of 1957, and continued her education at Salisbury University, where she earned a master’s degree in education. Her life was deeply rooted in family, faith, and community.
Throughout her life, she served in numerous civic roles. She founded the Eastern Shore chapter of TOPS in the 1990s, started a widows and widowers club on the Shore, was an instructor with the Academy for Lifetime Learning (ALL), and was affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star.
Her employment years were with the VPI Cooperative Extension Service, Accomack County Health Department, and as the volunteer service coordinator for the Eastern Correctional Institution. She later retired as the human services director for the Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging/Community Action Agency.
A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, nothing brought Ann more joy than being surrounded by family. As a certified lay speaker, her dedication to serving the Lord was a testament to her unwavering faith. She was an active member of Melfa United Methodist Church for several decades until moving to Chesapeake in 2019, where she became a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Ann continued her efforts to help others as a member of both the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Red Hat Society. Ann enjoyed writing memoirs and was an instructor for several memoir writing classes.
She is survived by her children, Linda Bennett Drummond (Ralph), of Chesapeake, and Morris Aaron “Morty” Bennett Jr. (Laurie), of Cashville; her beloved companion of the last several years, Bill Allen, of Chesapeake; her sister, Susan Parker Haycox, of Cashville; her brother, Richard Benjamin Parker, of Colombia; her grandchildren, Malea Drummond, Britany Bennett, and Heather Evans; her great-grandchildren, Sophia Davila, Emma Bennett, James Williams Jr., Arianna Williams, and Parker Drummond; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Friday, July 18, at 12:30 p.m., with the Rev. Thomas L. Mercer officiating. Interment will follow in the Onancock Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home half an hour prior to the service. There will be a celebration of life service at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 437 Providence Road, Chesapeake, VA 23325, Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m., with a repast to follow the service in the church social hall.
Contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 437 Providence Road, Chesapeake, VA 23325.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
