Mary Elizabeth Lentz Everett Obituary
Updated: August 13, 2026
VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — Mary Elizabeth Lentz Everett, a devoted mother, beloved sister and daughter, loyal friend, and inspiring recovery mentor, passed away on August 5, 2026, surrounded by her family in the ICU.
She was 52. Born on November 10, 1973, Mary was the first-born child of her parents and grew up as a cherished member of a close-knit family. She is remembered with deep love by her two precious daughters, Cheney Everett and Presley Everett, whom she adored with her whole heart. As a mother, Mary poured herself into her girls, creating a legacy of love that will continue through them.
Mary is survived by her daughters Cheney and Presley; her parents; her siblings; and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry her memory forward.
Mary was also a devoted sister and daughter. Her sister reflected that Mary was “a blessing in my life” whose impact “runs deep,” adding, “I’m grateful that what she gave us is ours to carry for as long as we choose to. I know she’s smiling and free today. And I already look forward to seeing her again someday.”
Her mother, Cathy Lentz, shared the profound sorrow of saying goodbye to their first-born child: “We loved her beyond words and are missing her terribly tonight. Those out there that have lost a child know this sorrow. We felt the presence of Jesus in the room today jammed with our family weeping and comforting one another. He is holding us steady as we face new days ahead without her on this earth. This earth is not our real home…
We know that we will go to her. She will not return to us. But we know this also, that she is running free, healed and whole and with her Saviour who she so much wanted to be with in heaven. Her own prayers were answered today, with all of us at her side. We do not grieve as those who have no hope!!! All of our hope is in Jesus! His forgiveness, His great love and mercy!!! Our true home is not here but in Heaven with Him forever.”
Friends and members of the recovery community also mourn her deeply. One close friend and recovery mentor wrote: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I share that a very dear friend of mine, Mary Lentz Everett, passed away on August 5th, 2026, with family by her bedside… She was the loving mother of her two daughters and a devoted daughter and sister to her parents and siblings. She meant a lot to me as a friend, as a recovery mentor, and to the recovery community as a whole. She often challenged me to be better and helped me become the person I am today. She was inspirational. Life isn’t going to be the same without you in it.”
Another friend who attended her memorial service described her as “a beautiful friend” whose loss, combined with other recent grief, has been heavy, yet held in the strength of the Lord. Mary’s life was marked by resilience, authenticity, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on her daughters, parents, siblings (including her brother Carl Lentz), extended family, friends, and the many people she encouraged through recovery and genuine friendship. Those who knew her speak of her ability to challenge others to grow while offering steadfast support and love.
A memorial service has already brought family and friends together to celebrate her life and the hope of reunion in Christ. The family invites those who knew Mary to share memories and photos that reflect the beautiful person she was. “We do not grieve as those who have no hope.” — The Lentz and Everett family In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection through Jesus Christ, Mary Elizabeth Lentz Everett is now running free, healed, and whole with her Savior.