I have so many great memories of my Aunt Pat over the years. Pat and my Aunt Jackie supervised the food and served the cake at my wedding. They were the perfect combination of organized powerhouses to get things done that a young teenage bride didn't even realize she needed. 

But most of my recent memories are of our many Friday night dinners together.  I worked near her home for several years and would pick her up about 5 p.m to head to her favorite Chinese Buffet for dinner.  She loved eating out and after dinner we would go back to her house for movies.  She had the most extensive DVD collection you have ever seen! We would talk and laugh through most of the show, but she had that deep belly laugh that made you feel warm and happy, so missing the movie never seemed to mattered! 

She was always quick to say "I love you" when we parted and made me feel like "her Daughter" too!  She will be greatly missed, but I am comforted to know she is in the arms of our Savior and I will see her again.  

A favorite memory of my aunt Pat was of an overnight stay with my cousins at the Wagner house on a summer weekend around 1966.  That night I had four brothers (instead of three sisters)!  I recall playing, laughing and generally “rough-housing” until being shushed eventually to sleep, but most of all I was made to feel welcome as one of the boys, especially by my kind, long-suffering aunt.  

For some reason I vividly recall being given as many pieces of toast and grape jelly as I wanted for breakfast the next morning as Dan and I took breaks from walking and running around their court in Academy Park.  Thinking back on that visit over half a century ago now, it occurs to me that what I took for being spoiled might also have been my aunt’s way of amusing herself by feeding me lots of sugar just before her younger sister came to collect me.


My sweet second MOM ♥️ I always called her momma Pat. Loved her dearly! She was the best mother-in-law and mom, grandmother, great grandmother that any one could ever have! Would do anything for her! She’s now rejoicing and singing in heaven! 
God rest her soul

Donna Wagner 


Pat was a Cradock Girl, Class of 1950, who leaves behind great memories in the hearts and minds of her Cradock Classmates.

May she rest in eternal peace and be remembered for her kindness.

My sympathy to her family.

Pat was a great sister, and friend.  When we were teenagers we sang with out brothers Talton and Derrell,  in what we called the "Benfield Quartet".  It was great because we both loved to sing and praise our Lord together.  I shall miss her greatly, but I will see her again and that assurance bolsters my faith more everyday.  We were the last two left in our family and I remember saying to her when I saw her last, "It's just you and me, now." and her last comment when I left her at the nursing home that day was, "I love you, and it's just you and me now!" 
Imogene


I was in the choir at Calvary Baptist Church with Pat.  I'm still a member there.  When my mom was in rehab last fall where Pat was living, she and I visited almost daily for several weeks,   We even sang a few hymns together.  I'm glad I got to see her again.  My condolences to the family.  

Funeral Service

Eula Mae Hobbs Benfield and Troy Monroe Benfield

Morris T. Wagner

William "Bill" Dawley

David T. Wagner

Forrest "Wayne" Wagner

Daniel Wagner (Donna)

Randolph "Randy" Wagner

Also left to cherish Patricia's memory are her grandchildren, David, Jr, Linda, Nathan, Kyle (Sarah), and Danielle Wagner; great grandchildren, Dakota Kane and Vienna Sky Wagner; sister, Imogene Narducci; and a host of other family and friends.

OBITUARY

Patricia Benfield Dawley

December 12, 1932 – December 1, 2020

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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