Mary Stanley Eason

Eason, Mary Stanley, of Richmond, VA passed away peacefully just before sunrise on October 25, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Born in Marion, South Carolina on June 25, 1930, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas Edward and Cornelia Plowden Stanley. Mary graduated from Winthrop College (now known as Winthrop University) in Rock Hill, South Carolina. After graduation, she worked in the insurance industry until her marriage in 1953. She was a member of The Thomas Jefferson Garden Club of Richmond and The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club. She was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and was active in Circle 6 at the church. Mary had a smile that could light up a room. She loved to garden. Her gardens were always full of gorgeous dahlias, roses, camellias, and azaleas. She was a voracious reader and an avid needlepointer. She was a fabulous cook; known for her fried chicken, country ham with red-eye gravy over grits, and her peach preserves that could only be made with Saunders Brothers/Piney River peaches. Her coconut pies and lemon chess pies were even known to spark a good-natured battle among family members for the last piece. She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She especially loved the mountains. She also loved to dance with her beloved husband. She was quiet and reserved, but feisty and devoted especially when it came to her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, J. Dillon “J.D.” Eason in 2015. She also was predeceased by her siblings, Julia Roberts, Thomas E. Stanley and Cornelia Stanley. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kelly Eason Winters and her son-in-law, Pete E. W. Winters of Richmond, her sister-in-law, Martha Abernethy Stanley of Charlotte, NC, as well as many extended family members. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Cedarfield staff – especially those on the North Hall – for their love, devotion and care. Special thanks are extended to Evelyn Linares for her love, care and companionship. Additional thanks are extended to the staff of Traditions Health (hospice) for their care and dedication. A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be scheduled at a future date. Burial will be private, per her request. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cedarfield Employee Christmas Fund, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23233.