Mrs. Virginia Benson Wills' Obituary
Mrs. Virginia Benson Wills, 99, of Chattanooga, departed her earthly body on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in a local hospital. She was born in Rayle, Georgia (Wilkes County) to William (Honey) and Ella Mae (Smith) Benson on March 5, 1926. She was raised by her dearly loved grandparents, Robert and Rosie Smith and is one of twelve children.
Mrs. Wills committed her life to Jesus Christ at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Rayle at an early age. After leaving Rayle at age 15, she lived in Athens and then Atlanta before settling in Chattanooga at age 22 where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was a member of Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church where she actively and joyously served for many years on the Senior Usher Board, Missionary Society, Sick and Gift Committees and was employed at Turnbull Cone Co.
Mrs. Wills was a well-respected and dearly loved member of her community who was known for her beauty, strength, classy dress and community engagement. She was politically astute and enjoyed discussing local, national and world events. She was courageous and didn’t tolerate disrespect from anyone. She took pride in everything she did demanding respect from others and giving respect when it was deserved. She communicated regularly with her local representatives making sure they provided services she was entitled to receive as a constituent. She loved flowers, working puzzles, and gardening and was known for her delicious homemade apple jelly that she lovingly made for her family.
Mrs. Wills’ active and colorful life reflected her warm spirit, witty intelligence, and infectious sense of humor. She was happiest when surrounded by family especially the children. Wherever she was, there was always an abundance of joy, fun and laughter. Everyone enjoyed being in her presence. She had a special love for all children and paid particular attention to all of their antics. She loved talking, listening, singing and dancing with them. Feeling the love she generated, children were naturally drawn to her and many stayed in close communication long after reaching adulthood.
Mrs. Wills’ memory was a phenomenon that amazed and impressed family, friends, professional contacts and everyone she encountered. Until her death, she enjoyed recalling with great clarity and accuracy the smallest details of her own childhood in Rayle, GA as well as past and current events of family and friends. Hearing her share recollections of the past was a fascinating and enjoyable experience for all who were blessed to hear them. She remembered the living conditions and vivid details of rationing during the depression under President Hoover and the starting of social security under President Roosevelt. She also remembered the enactment of the law that made Roosevelt the last President to serve more than two terms.
As matriarch of the family, Mrs. Wills used her savvy money management skills, God-given “Mother Wit” and great sense of judgement to raise her three children, Shirley, Bobby and Winston Wills. She greatly influenced and was incredibly active in the lives of her 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren always showering them with love, joy and the essence of her soul, modeling through every interaction the importance of being authentic and true to oneself.
Mrs. Wills was preceded in death by her husband, Van Wills; dearly loved son, Bobby Wills; great-great-grandsons, Gesiah Jennings and Kelun Lingo; sisters, Lottie Mae Benson, Dorothy Flint, and Nancy Towns; and brothers, Peter, Alfred, Nathan, and Willie Robert Benson.
Mrs. Wills’ unique and remarkable spirit is indelibly etched into the hearts and memories of her three sisters; Julia Wright and Laura King of Athens, GA and Annie Jean Edwards of Atlanta, GA; two brothers, Howard Lewis (Annie Lee) Benson of Atlanta, GA and Clifford James (Dorothy) Benson of Athens, GA; loving daughter, Shirley Talley of Chattanooga, TN; devoted son, Winston (Sylvia) Wills of Jacksonville, FL; dearly loved and faithful daughter-in-law, Lillie Wills of Chickamauga, GA; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly Talley, Tinica Caperton, and Yamina Wills, all of Chattanooga, TN, Stephanie Talley of Nashville, TN, Parquina Wills, Zeffon Wills and Tanika Wills, all of Atlanta, GA; 10 great-grandchildren, Jeremy Knox, Jessica Knox, Sam Lingo, Whitney Hemphill, Hannah Hemphill, Brooklyn Price and LeAunna Wills, all of Chattanooga, TN, Zaige, Kingson and Ivory Wills of Shreveport, LA; 5 great-great-grandchildren, Sa’Mora Lingo, Shylo Lingo, Roderick Halfacre Jr., Nylah Jennings and Ge’lani Jennings, and many other loving family members and friends including Bertha Brown and Willie Ella Swope, both of Chattanooga, TN, and James (Buddy) Blakemore of Rossville, GA.
She will lie-in-state on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral. The Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel with Brother John R. Taylor, Sr. as the Eulogist. Interment in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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