On Oct. 9, 2018, the Lord, in his infinite wisdom, called home our loved one, Mr. Benjamin Franklin Custis. He was a longtime resident of Onancock and made his home and was compassionately cared for at Heritage Hall, in Nassawadox, for the last ten years. Born Sept. 26, 1946, in Onancock, he was a son of the late Walter Lee Custis Sr. and Sophronia Tyler Custis.
“Uncle Benny,” as he was known to many, was a genuinely mannered and respectable man. He was schooled in Accomack County and, at a very young age, began working with several local funeral directors and their establishments. He loved and respected all aspects of funeral business and was truly dedicated in all of his endeavors related to helping others at their time of need, and ultimately the businesses he assisted.
His last main association before moving to Heritage Hall was with the Williams Funeral Homes in Onancock and Parksley. His longtime friendship with the Williams family began at a very young age with Evelyn and Carlisle Williams and their children, continuing in the funeral business with their sons, Johnny and Tommy, and other family members throughout many years. His loving, caring, gentle ways, and many acts of kindness will be forever treasured and cherished by not only that family, but also many others in the Eastern Shore community.
Mr. Custis was a faithful and devoted member of St. John’s Baptist Church from childhood through adulthood. He loved singing and had a very melodious voice. One of his favorite hymns was “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Mr. Custis loved his family and friends and loved the Custis family tradition of having big Sunday dinners, laughing and talking. He truly had a love and loved, everyone.
Mr. Custis was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, brothers, Walter, Ernest, Clarence, Roosevelt, George, Pernell, and Robert; and sisters, Bertha, Mildred, Maria, and Kay; and his son, Keith Turner.
He leaves to cherish his memories his children, Sherry Lilliston and Barry Snead, of Accomack County; Benjamin, Ike, and Christine Custis, of Washington, D.C.; one brother, James A. Custis and his wife, Dorothy, of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren; 25 nieces; 23 nephews; 15 great-nieces; 25 great-nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life and Homegoing service will be conducted at St. John’s Baptist Church in Onancock on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Robinson officiating. Interment will follow the service.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock-Parksley.
