Delcie L. Early

Delcie Lorraine Benson Early, 82 passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Augusta Health in Fishersville surrounded by family.

Delcie was born on December 17, 1941, in Staunton, to the late Elmer “Jack” Bailey Benson, Sr. and Talitha Cumi Wood Benson.

Delcie was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. 

She was married to her loving husband, Donald Vanlear Early, for fifty-eight years. 

She loved entertaining family and friends, and her hobbies were crossword puzzles and playing cards with her sisters. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In 1979, she became employed at Labcorp as a phlebotomist. She retired in 2004, having risen to the level of district manager over three Labcorp offices.

Delcie's joy in life was her family and friends. She welcomed everyone with open arms, a contagious smile, and unconditional love. Delcie will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Diane Early Mayz (Allan); her sons, Roderick Vance Early (Ronda) and Christopher Lance Early (Petra); her sisters, Jerline Marie Benson Moates (Jimmy), Marilyn Kay Benson Sharpes (Doug), Bonnie May Benson Revercomb (James) , and Lois Ann Benson Campbell; her brothers, Thomas Lee Benson (Teresa), Rodney Wayne Benson (Carolyn) and Elmer Bailey Benson Jr. (Frances); and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Kara Paccadolmi (Caleb), Travis Mayz (Taylor), Brianna Clegg (Kris), Jennifer Early, Aimee Gajus and Ashley Gajus and her ten great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Maya, Aria, Rowan, Melissa, Noah, Elijah, Jonah, Starlyn and Willow.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband.

The family would like to especially express their gratitude to Bonnie and James Revercomb for being Delcie’s caretakers for six years. A sister's love is like no other.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024, Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM.

Interment in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton will be private.