KILMARNOCK—Eleanor Williams Brewer Chaney, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2020. Eleanor was born on September 1, 1929, in Ottoman, and was the eighth of nine children of John Foster and Etta Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her brothers and sisters, Claybrook Williams, Lola W. Stevens, Olene W. Jenkins, Floyd Williams, Herbert Williams, Marie W. Headley, Arthur Williams, and Helen W. Pittman; and her husbands, Jack Brewer and Alfred Chaney.
“Aunt Eleanor,” as she was known by many, grew up in Ottoman during the Great Depression. She loved her family wholeheartedly, and often reminisced about her childhood joys on her family’s farm.
Eleanor and her first husband, Jack, made their home in Morattico. She worked at the Levi’s Plant in Warsaw, the Colonial Store in Kilmarnock, and for several years owned and operated Covington’s Variety Store on Main Street in Kilmarnock with her sister, Helen. After Jack’s passing, Eleanor married Al Chaney, and they made their home in Fleet’s Bay.
Eleanor took great pleasure in spending time with her family and friends, and she dearly loved the many four-legged “children” in her life. She showered love, affection and countless “Bless your hearts” on many pets over the years, but held a special place for her beagle, Tippy, and her cat, Cricket.
Eleanor was raised and baptized in Corrottoman Baptist Church. Later, she regularly attended Norwood Baptist Church in Morattico. Eleanor’s faith was a constant presence and comfort throughout her life. She read her Bible daily, and even through dementia in her later years, she could be heard singing old Baptist hymns that were ingrained in her heart.
Eleanor is survived by her five stepchildren, Tommy, Phil, Debbie, Darlene, and Drew. She also leaves dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews to cherish the memories of “Aunt Eleanor.” Graveside services for family took place at Norwood Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Kilmarnock, as well as Hospice of Virginia, for their professionalism and care of Eleanor in her final months.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
