August 20, 2026, 81, – Cheryl Mozingo Benton, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne. She was born in Wayne County on November 27, 1944, to the late Bruce Luby Mozingo, Sr. and Geneva Hicks Mozingo. In addition to her parents, Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Donna Benton Myers.
For many years, Cheryl worked in the office of her family’s business, Benton and Sons, where she was an important part of the family’s work and daily life. She and her husband, Binford, attended Watery Branch O.F.W.B. Church when their health allowed them to attend.
Cheryl found great joy in the simple things that made a house a home. She loved gardening and working in her yard, and she was especially proud of her garden, which always seemed to be the biggest around. She generously shared its bounty with family and friends and spent many hours canning and preserving its harvest to prepare for the winter months. She loved to cook and treasured having her family gathered around the table, sharing a meal and making memories together.
Her family was the center of her world. Cheryl cherished every opportunity to have everyone together, and those times will remain among the most treasured memories of those who loved her. She also had a special love for her dogs, caring for them as lovingly as she did her own children and treating them like her babies. Cheryl enjoyed collecting dolls, a hobby that brought her happiness throughout the years.
Above all, Cheryl will be remembered for her love of family, her generous heart, her nurturing spirit, and the warmth she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the family traditions she lovingly kept, and the countless memories shared around her table and in her garden.
Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Binford E. Benton, Sr.; her sons, Ben Benton, Jr. and wife, Doricia, and Bruce Benton; her daughter, Jenny Parnell; and her son-in-law, Wayne Myers. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Trey Benton (Ariel), Torie Canady (Brandon), Cash Benton (Amy), Landon Myers (Ashley), Benton Myers (Hannah), Keely Denning (Will), Hanna Benton, Aaron Parnell (Grace), Lyndsey Parnell, Cassie Parnell, and Kristen Parnell; thirteen great-grandchildren; her brothers, Linwood Mozingo (Sandra) and Jerry Mozingo (Becky); sisters-in-law, Becky Rosen and Linda Benton; and a dear friend, Debbie Denton.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service celebrating Cheryl’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Rev. Barry Stallings officiating. Interment will follow at the Benton Family Cemetery on Gurley Dairy Road in Pikeville.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, family, and caregivers who have supported and provided exceptional care to Cheryl and the family over the last several months.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Cheryl’s memory.
Cheryl’s life was one of love, devotion, generosity, and family. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
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