Marion Wilson (Bennett)

Marion Bennett Wilson, 92, of Montrose, Colorado, formerly from Smithfield, Virginia passed away on the 17th of January 2021. She was born to parents Marion S. Bennett and Ruby Louise Coleman, on the 26^th of June 1928 in Smithfield, Virginia.

Marion was raised in Norfolk but spent much of her childhood in Smithfield visiting family. She often recalled the wonderful times she had with family and friends in Smithfield. She graduated from Granby High School in Norfolk in 1946. She pursued studies in music at Hollins College for two years, and then continued her studies in medical sciences. Upon graduation she worked as a lab technician in Falls Church, Virginia, and Bell Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia.

In 1950 Marion married James Ricks Wilson, Jr., her husband of 64 years.

In 1965 she joined Ricks in managing Stair & Company Antiques at Williamsburg Ltd, situated on Merchants Square. Seven years later they purchased the business, and it became Ricks Wilson, Ltd. Both retired in 1983.

During her entire life, Marion used her talents and spiritual foundation to positively impact her community and everyone she encountered. Music was an especially important part of Marion’s life. She sang with the Madrigal Singers of Williamsburg, in the choir at Bruton Parish Church and Christ Episcopal Church and was part of many musical productions with the Virginia Symphony. After moving to Smithfield, Virginia in 1990, she also participated in Smithfield Little Theatre Productions, which she enjoyed immensely. Marion played an important part in the success of the “Sundays at Four” program in Smithfield, particularly in promoting local and student musicians.

Marion considered her most important work to be her stewardship and commitment to Christian fellowship, and to “raising the whole spiritual level of the church family”. She was an educational leader at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, and Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield. She was also a leader and teacher for Education for Ministry, and in the past few years hosted a weekly bible study with her close friends in Smithfield. She cherished those times with Donna, Demere, and Beth.

Marion leaves behind a legacy of love. Daughters Carol Smith (Steven) of Ridgway, Colorado and Joan Foley (Gary) of Mill Creek, Washington; granddaughters, Sophie Hardin Bennett Smith and Carly Ricks Smith Parker (Edison); and countless friends and family members in the Tidewater area of Virginia.

We promised our mother that if she moved to Colorado to be with us, we would take her remains back to her home and lay her to rest with her husband, Ricks, at Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield, Virginia. When it is again safe to travel and meet together with family and friends, we will hold a memorial celebration of her life in Smithfield, VA at Christ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 111 South Church Street, Smithfield, Virginia 23430, or Christian Outreach Program, PO Box 253, Smithfield, Virginia 23431.

Final arrangements were made by Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose, Colorado.  Family and friends are encouraged to post condolences and memories at crippinfuneralhome.com.