Martha Cox Bentley

Martha Cox Bentley of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on May 8, 2021 at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Percy Cox, and her husband, Donald Michael Bentley, Sr. She is survived by her children, Donald Michael Bentley, Jr., Lee Bentley MacLeod (Ewen), and Anne Bentley McCray (Joel).

Known as “Boolay” to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild, Daniel, Jacob, Catherine, Calum, Annie, Lindsey, Griffin, Meredith, and Caroline; she was an endless source of wisdom, support, advice and good cooking.

She grew up in Ridgeway, Virginia, where she had great friends, was involved in many community activities, and was even crowned Miss Ridgeway. She graduated from Radford College, and was teaching school in Roanoke when she met and married Don. She and Don later moved to Williamsburg, where she continued to teach before choosing to stay home to raise her family. She later returned to work to help Don run WMBG/WBCI.

She was a member of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also a longtime member and a past president of the Williamsburg Chapter of the AAUW.

In her later years, she enjoyed dinner, outings, and playing bridge with her “girls’ group.” She was always eager to discuss politics and current events with them, and with her children and grandchildren.

Martha was a true beauty and a lovely woman, cherished for her graciousness, intelligence and quick wit. She will be missed by many.

The family will receive visitors from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23188. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.