Winifred Irene Bennett

Winifred Irene Reeves Bennett joined the heavenly choir on August 18th, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. While her earthly voice was stolen by Parkinson's, we know she is now clearly and voraciously singing praises to her Lord. Winifred is survived by her best friend and husband of 63 years, Dr. Robert M. Bennett. Winifred is missed by all who loved her and were influenced by her. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, surrogate mother for many, teacher, and friend. She had a deep and abiding love for her grandchildren, and treated all her children and siblings like family, whether they were through blood or marriage. Winifred was born in Cleveland, TN in 1939 and was the youngest of five children to Henry L. Reeves, Sr., and Pauline F. W. Reeves. She was raised in a Christian home, and her faith was an integral part of her life and story. Her life verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, influenced how she approached major life decisions. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (KJV)." In her written testimony, she said, "The days that start off with thoughts of living the day for and with Jesus are much smoother, and even though problems may still be big, He walks me through them and gives me peace and direction." While they grew up on either side of the mountain from each other in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, Winifred and Bob met in Hampton, Virginia while attending Memorial Baptist Church. Winifred, known to many as Winnie and her oldest friends as Wimpy, volunteered countless hours in many different church ministries, both at the local and association level. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Erwin, TN, Memorial Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, and most recently Church on Main in Blacksburg, VA. Winifred graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in Nursing, and she earned her master's degree in Surgical Nursing from Duke University. She worked in a hospital setting as a R.N., and taught Nursing at Hampton High School, the Medical College of Virginia, and the Riverside School of Professional Nursing. Her legacy is still evident in the health care professionals she taught who are continuing to provide high quality patient care. Winifred also served as school nurse, principal, and administrator for Memorial Christian School. She was beloved by students and faculty for being fair and caring. She would work hard to remember and use the names of students and extended colleagues. Winifred always sought to instill knowledge and skills, but most importantly, a love of learning. Her faith and pedagogy would often be combined in the home. Her children David, Alan, and Frances would be assigned to write disciplinary papers that included both a related Bible verse and a paragraph about what was done wrong, and how the behavior would be changed. She prided herself on sending birthday and anniversary cards through the mail so that they would arrive exactly on the day of celebration. Winifred was known for Saturday morning waffles or pancakes. The pancakes would come in many shapes and sizes (from hamster-sized to the first letter of a name). She enjoyed making fresh rolls for special occasions, and baking desserts that accommodated many dietary restrictions. Her mother intentionally chose to live by eating dessert first, and Winifred followed in her footsteps. There was always room at the table, and a warm place to sleep, for any who needed it. Winifred had many hidden talents. She danced en pointe, acted in college, was a skilled pianist, first chair saxophonist, and ribbon winning sharp shooter with a 0.22 pistol. She loved creating and would make burpy pads (that were remarkably useful, sturdy and cute), baby blankets and sweaters, and personalized Christmas stockings. The doll clothes that she made for her children have been passed down to her grandchildren. Her piece de resistance was a Monarch butterfly blanket that took many years to complete. Winifred was an avid reader, and when she finished reading, or re-reading a book, she would write the month and year in pencil on the first page. She was prone to fits of uncontrollable laughter and enjoyed playing games. Her competitive streak could be seen in how she kept score, from Scrabble game results still in the box from the late 1970s to keeping tabs on who won tic, tac, toe on her whiteboard while in the hospital examination room. She was a lifelong Star Trek fan, and meeting George Takei in person was a favorite memory. Winifred also enjoyed recounting the time she was at Graceland and Elvis drove up the driveway. When it was time to leave, Winifred was always seen standing in the doorway watching and waving and sending her love until the next return. It is now our turn to wave goodbye, until we see each other again. All are welcome to visit and share favorite memories on Saturday, August 23rd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, VA. A service to celebrate her life will be held immediately following at 6:00 pm. Winifred loved flowers, however, in lieu of flowers donations are also welcomed for The Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or Church on Main: https://churchonmain.church/