Mary Evelyn Bennett Arrington
Mary Evelyn Bennett Arrington
April 25, 1932 - October 10, 2022
Mary Evelyn Bennett Arrington, age 90 of Rocky Mount passed from this earth on a beautiful cloudless fall afternoon in Roanoke, VA on Monday, October 10th, 2022. She was a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, musician, artist and friend to all she met and knew.
Mary B. was the daughter of her late parents, Conrad and Catherine Bennett; and the wife for 54 years of her late husband, Milton Arrington, son of the late J. Morris and Carrie Del Arrington. She lived and worked in Rocky Mount, Virginia her entire life before moving to Roanoke, Virginia in her last few years to be closer to family.
She graduated with a major in English and a minor in Music from Longwood College. Mary B. started her educational career as a music teacher and retired having taught English and Literature for 35 years at Franklin County High School. She held the position of Department Head for many years and was an example to her peers for organizational skills, efficiency, and most importantly fairness, fun and loyalty to the administration and students. She loved the art of teaching and helped encourage many new teachers who were transitioning into the Franklin County School system.
She faithfully supported her late husband, Milton, in the family’s florist by taking phone orders, directing weddings, and decorating many businesses’ window displays in town. Her creativity always gave passersby a great sense of community.
As a lifetime member of the Rocky Mount Christian Church, she was an organist and pianist for many years. She also played for services at Rocky Mount Presbyterian Church and Flora Funeral Service.
Mary B. was an accomplished artist. As with her music, she continued art lessons to always find ways to enhance her craft. Her medium of choice was oil but she was also accomplished in calligraphy and pen/ink.
All these experiences gave Mary B. a great faith in God and love of family, friends, and community that was unmatched. She would daily send cards of inspiration, make phone calls, bring food or small tokens of appreciation to her friends and family. In doing that she brought her smile, humor and kindness to everyone she knew. She was the definition of a Southern lady that never forgot where she came from.
A special mention to Rochelle Simmons, a family member who has remained like a sister to Mary B. for over 64 years. Rochelle's friendship, loyalty and love to our family has been truly unequaled in our journey through this life.
She is survived by her brother, Wayne (Shirley) Bennett of Clemson, SC; three sons, Andy Arrington of Rocky Mount, VA, Gregg (Jane) Arrington of Greensboro, NC, Marc (Denise) Arrington of Roanoke, VA; Grandchildren, Cel (Caitlin) Arrington of Roanoke, VA, Molly Arrington and Ben Mead of Richmond VA, Nathan Arrington of Washington, D.C., John Arrington of Greensboro, NC, Anselm Wiercioch and Claire Brautigam of Pittsburgh, PA; Great-Grandchildren, Ellie and Charlotte (Charlie) Arrington of Roanoke, VA
We would like to thank all of Mary B.’s family and friends for their love and support over these many years.
Services will be held at Rocky Mount Christian Church in Rocky Mount, VA. Her family will receive friends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 followed by a service at 12 noon. Interment will follow in High Street Cemetery, Rocky Mount, VA
There will be light appetizers/drinks at Rocky Mount Christian Church fellowship hall following interment. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Rocky Mount Christian Church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
