December 9, 2021, 102, Goldsboro –
Gertha Ginn Benton, 102, was delivered by the angels to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at her home. She was born in Greene County, NC to the late Troy and Rena Ginn and was married to the late Lenwood Earl Benton. She is predeceased by her sisters, Edna Crumpler, Vera Lee Taylor, Geraldean Honeycutt, and Reba James.
Gertha was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church where she was an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary and served faithfully in the Ruth Circle. In service to the Church, she held numerous roles including church treasurer and member of the Building Committee. As a leader of the church, Mrs. Benton directed the Vacation Bible School and all of its activities for many years. To honor her service and leadership, she was awarded the Lifetime Women’s Auxiliary Achievement Award. She greatly loved her church and was there whenever the door was open.
In her community, Gertha was a member of the Goldsboro Extension Homemakers Club and The Golden Agers. Together with her husband, Lenwood, they owned and operated The Downtown Shell Gas Station and rental car business. She enjoyed working in her yard and gardening and never missed a chance to reap a crop. The matriarch of our family, her favorite activity of all was spending time and sharing with her family.
Ms. Benton is survived by her sons, Dr. Kenneth E. Benton and wife Marilyn of Dunn, Michael G. Benton and wife Phyllis of Danville, VA, and Donald K. Benton of Goldsboro; her daughter Anna B. McFalls and husband, Russ of Culpeper, Virginia; her sister Brenda Sauls and husband Wilson of Goldsboro. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Christina Compeau and husband Jim Farmer, Kendra Miletello and husband Sal, Elizabeth Benton Wright and husband Jonathan, Michael G. Benton, Jr. and wife Lisa, Alison McFalls Lott and husband Josiah, Andrew McFalls and wife Mary Kelly, Troy Tyson Benton and wife Holly, and Lindsey Benton and fiancé Kevin Gardner. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren: Christopher Compeau, Trevor Compeau, Faith Miletello Lewis, Hope Miletello, Samuel Miletello, Luke Miletello, Cameron Wright, Caroline Wright, Savannah Benton, Stokes Lott, Annabelle Lott, Ava McFalls, Lainey Benton, Harper Benton, Adeline Benton, and Lincoln Gardner; one great-great-grandchild MacKenzie Wall. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and special thanks to Rita Houston for her many years of caring for Mrs. Benton along with the care team members, Johnnie Easley, Denise McDuffie, Stacy Oliver, Brenda Gurley, Cynthia Potter, Bonnie Lancaster, Sylvia Howell and Peggy Beeler of Love and Faith, Wages, Meals on Wheels, and 3HC. Our heartfelt thanks to these ladies who faithfully provided care to Mrs. Benton and support to the family.
The family will receive friends Monday, December 13 at 10:00 am in the parlor of First Free Will Baptist Church. Following the visitation, Funeral services will be held at 11:00, at the First Free Will Baptist Church. Dr. Kenneth E. Benton and Dr. Otis Hamm will officiate. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 604 E. Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Seymour Funeral Home is serving the family.
