Mary Geneva Chappell Bunch, 87, died Saturday, July 25, at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Va., after a brief illness. Having been a resident of Suffolk, Va., for most of her life, she had resided at the Village at Woods Edge in Franklin for the past three years.
Mrs. Bunch was born in Chowan County on Dec. 11, 1921 to the late Lydia C. Copeland and Charlie C. Chappell. Geneva was a homemaker who loved family gatherings, her church and her soap operas. She was a longtime member of the Lois Bible Class Adult VII and the former Rosemary Register Circle.
She was also preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, J. Hillard Bunch Sr., one son, Richard Lynn Bunch, and four siblings.
Mrs. Bunch is survived by three sons, Joseph H. Bunch Jr. (Brenda), of Williamsburg, Va., Phillip B. Bunch (Valerie), of Winston-Salem, N.C., Bruce W. Bunch (Michelle), of Lorton, Va., and daughter, Donna B. Nichols, of Richmond, Va. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Traci, Rusty, Kristin, Jennifer, Ryan, Andy and Tyler. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at R.W. Baker Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Charles Thompson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 237 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.