Benjamin Franklin Custis

On October 9, 2018, the Lord in his infinite wisdom, called our loved one Benjamin Franklin Custis, home.  He was a longtime resident of Onancock, VA, and made his home and was compassionately cared for at Heritage Hall in Nassawadox, VA, for the last ten years.  Born September 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, VA.  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 many others in the Eastern Shore Community.

Benny 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’.  Benny 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!

Benny 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, DC; one brother, James A. Custis and his wife Dorothy, of Washington, DC; four grandchildren; twenty-five nieces; twenty-three nephews; fifteen great-nieces; twenty-five great-nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Benny’s Life, and Homegoing Service, will be conducted at St. John’s Baptist Church in Onancock, Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., with The Reverend Michael Robinson officiating.  Interment will follow the service.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Homes, Onancock and Parksley.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benjamin Franklin Custis, please visit our floral store.