Geraldine "Dean" Bentley

Geraldine “Dean” Bentley, 92 of Brookhaven

Dean passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members on Monday, January 19, 2026.

She was born in Walstonburg, North Carolina, to Effie Hobgood Moore and Benjamin Robert Moore.  Dean attended Walstonburg High School and East Carolina University. The youngest of 6 children, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Gladys Pittman, Katura Brock, and Edna Pittman, and brothers, Horace Moore and Herbert Moore.

She was a loving spouse to Richard Bentley for 50 years before his passing in 2010.  She is survived by daughters, Christy Fowler (Jeff) of Albany GA, Sue Fawley of New Castle DE, Kim Williams (Mike) of Ridley PA, and a son, Ron Bentley (Kelly), of Elm City NC.  Grandchildren: Allyson, Wayne, Kevin, Marilea, Jenna, Katelin, and Joseph.  Great-grandchildren: Kincee, Jacob, Landree, Laityn, Wayne and Este Dean and sister-in-law/best friend Mary Helen Cavanaugh.  She was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan keeping close track of their schedules not to miss a game.  Dean will be remembered by many additional family members and friends who will deeply miss her.

She retired early from the Internal Revenue Service after 28 years, only to return to work for Elko, Fisher, McCabe and Rudman, a CPA firm in Media, PA.  When she finally exited the workforce on full retirement, her remaining years were spent lovingly devoted to her “grands.”  

Dean was a member of Brookhaven Baptist Church, dedicated to her faith and love of the Lord.  She touched many lives with her generosity, humor, unwavering spirit and perseverance. Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of many and will forever be remembered.  

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmville Funeral Home at 4226 E Church St, Farmville, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., internment immediately following the service at Hollywood Cemetery, Farmville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Dean’s legacy and her lifelong love of dogs with donations to a local animal shelter. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geraldine "Dean" Bentley, please visit our floral store.