July 13, 2022, 93, Goldsboro –

Marie Fulghum Benton, 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at her home. Born in Wayne County on February 7, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Ewell Bristol and Bobbie Hooks Fulghum.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Richard Paul Benton; grandson, Layne Michael Knopick; son-in-law, Scott Michael Knopick; and daughter-in-law, Pamela Jackson Benton.

Marie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Ernie Vinson of Goldsboro; son, Mike Benton of Goldsboro; daughter Xan Knopick of Fremont; grandchildren, Brittany Knopf (Ryan), Brandon Vinson (Casey), Skylar Knopick, and Braeden Knopick; great-grandchildren, Conner, Luke, and Bristol; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where she served as a Circle Leader, Stephen Minister, taught the Friendship Sunday School Class, and served on various committees over the years.

Following graduation from Fremont School, Marie attended Atlantic Christian College where she majored in business administration.

Over the years Marie had worked for the Wayne County Farm Agency, Boeing Aircraft Company at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Wayne County Public Schools at Meadow Lane Elementary, and Wayne Community College.

Marie was a member of Chapter #54 of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as the Worthy Matron from 1980-1981. She was also a member and past president of the Wayne County Shrinettes. Marie was a founding member and the first charter president of the Waynesboro Chapter of American Business Women’s Association.

A service to celebrate Marie’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Baer and Rev. Andy Rose officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. during the hour prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times at Marie’s home. Interment for the family will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Wayne Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcome but donations may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, P. O. Box 12829, New Bern, NC 28562 or to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.