Evelyn Virginia Bentley

Evelyn Virginia Russell Bentley, 98, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 31, 2015, surrounded by her family. Evelyn was born on August 8, 1917, in Bristol, TN, and had lived in Kingsport, TN, since 1939.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was loved by everyone who knew her. A graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School, she always told everyone she met that she graduated with Tennessee Ernie Ford. During World War II, Evelyn worked for Tennessee Eastman Company. After her husband, Jim, returned from overseas, she became a full-time wife and mother.

Evelyn was a longtime member of New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church (formerly Lynn Garden Presbyterian Church) where she was very active in the Ladies' Day Circle. Recently she was honored when the church designated 'Evelyn Bentley Day' to celebrate her 65+ years as a dedicated member. She was also a 70+ year member of the Liberty Chapter #198 O.E.S. and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Holston Valley Hospital for several years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, James Elmo Bentley (2001); parents, Albert and Anna Mae Horner Russell; three brothers, Ernest, Carl, and Bill Russell; and two sisters, Clarice Trammell and Thelma Proffitt.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Jamie B. Buckles (Bill) and Jeannie B. Goins (Phil) both of Kingsport; granddaughters, Lori Anne Buckles Sandt (Michael) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Shanna Goins Clark (Brandon) of Kingsport; grandson, Phillip M. Goins (Misti) of Kingsport; and the light of her life, great-grandson, Bentley Ryan Clark; brothers-in-law, Bruce Bentley (Sally) of Bristol, VA and Ben Bentley (Barbara) of Waxhaw, NC; sisters-in-law, June Becraft (Buddy) of Gaithersburg, MD, Nancy Bentley of Richmond, VA, and Betty Young of Big Stone Gap, VA; special nieces, Mary Elizabeth Caudill and Sara Ann Horner; several other beloved nieces and nephews; and close friends, Mabel Stokes and Jo Painter.

The family would like to express their thanks to all of Mom's wonderful caregivers, especially Evelyn, Pat, and Misti; to the entire administration and staff at Preston Place Suites, NHC Healthcare, and Amedisys Hospice, whose love and care of our Mom over these many months will never be forgotten. We can never say thank you enough.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Willis and Pastor Phil Goins officiating.

Graveside services will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Those attending are asked to please meet at the graveside by 12:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Evelyn R. Bentley to New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 4022, Kingsport, TN 37660.