Edna Mae Chilton

Edna Mae Chilton, 91, of Powhatan, Virginia, peacefully passed away on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 11, 1935, and lived a life defined by unwavering strength, quiet grace, and a deep devotion to those she loved.

Edna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie "Billy" Ray Chilton. Together they built a home centered on faith, hard work, and family. She dedicated her life to raising their five sons, a role she cherished above all else. She was a loving mother to Kenny (Ellen), Donnie (Anna), Timmy (Donna), David (Susan), and Roger (Mary).

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Davey (Holly), Michelle (Brad), Gary, Lindsey, Will (Heather), Ryan (Bailee) and Hannah (Grayson) ; and her adored great-grandchildren, Greyson, Jakoby, Kylo, Clara Jean, Owen, and Graham, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy.

Edna is survived by her siblings, Wilbur and Jackie, and was preceded in death by her siblings, Josie, Boogie, Shirley, and Brenda.

Those who knew Edna will remember her as a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She was independent, graceful, selfless, loyal, and endlessly kind. She had a witty sense of humor, lived simply, and believed that family was life's greatest blessing. She never sought recognition, but quietly poured her love into caring for others.

Her happiest days were often spent tending her vegetable and flower gardens, working in the yard, soaking up the sunshine, or taking her children to Sunken Meadow to spend long summer days by the river. She treasured trips to the mountains to pick apples, found comfort in watching her favorite soap operas, and filled her home with the sounds of country and bluegrass music. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where family gathered around her table to enjoy the meals she lovingly prepared, especially her famous chicken and dumplings.

Though her hands were rarely still, her greatest work was the love she gave her family. Her quiet sacrifices, gentle spirit, and steadfast example will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139.A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home Chapel, interment Skin Quarter Baptist Church.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Edna's legacy lives on in every flower that blooms, every family meal shared, every bluegrass melody played, and every act of quiet kindness. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but her love will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.