NORFOLK, VA – Jeannine Mullins (Benford) passed away peacefully on August 14, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, after an extended illness. Jeannine was born August 25, 1939, to the late Dale J. and Hazel Benford, in Huntington, WV. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, the late Judge Ralph W. Mullins. She is survived by daughters Cheryl Freeman, of Norfolk, VA, Terri Harrison (Greg) of Orlando, FL, sons Matthew Mullins (Greg Manuel) of Norfolk, VA, and Shawn Mullins (Tina) of New Orleans, LA. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Ryan Kimsey, of San Francisco, CA, Angela Gash (RG) of Charleston, SC, Louis Maiorano, of Kinston, NC, and David Freeman, of Nashville, TN; and a great grand-daughter, Rebel Dale Gash. She is also survived by sisters Annette Mangold (Robert) of Largo, FL, and Suzanne Strahler, of Chillicothe, OH, and by dozens of nieces and nephews, as well.
Jeannine married Ralph Mullins on September 1, 1957, in Marietta, OH, and they were happily married until his death in March of 1989. Together they raised four children and assisted with four grand-children, teaching them all the finer points of baseball and other life lessons. Jeannine enjoyed reading, traveling to see family, and watching her children’s and grandchildren’s careers develop and mature. An avid fan of the television shows, ‘Law and Order’, ‘Criminal Minds’, and ‘Judge Judy’, she enjoyed relating similar poignant real-life stories shared with her by her husband, Judge Mullins. She was very patriotic and a staunch supporter of the Armed Forces and Veteran’s Assistance Groups, with her husband and three children all Navy veterans. She also volunteered her time and services to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. She enjoyed watching baseball, the Cincinnati Reds (The Big Red Machine), and Navy football. Jeannine will always be remembered for her kindness to all, her sense of humor, and her unwavering support of her husband, her children, and her country.
The family will be receiving friends Friday evening, August 18th, from 5:00-8:00 at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, 11623 Gallia Pike, in Wheelersburg, OH, and for an hour prior to 11:00AM services on Saturday, August 19th at the Funeral Home. Burial with a graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Wheelersburg, next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or any Veteran’s Support Organization of your choice. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
