AnnaBelle Benson

AnnaBelle Clark Benson went to be with the Lord August 3rd, 2011, in Richmond, Va.

She was a remarkable woman who unconditionally loved family, friends and especially children. She gave of herself unselfishly, always putting others first. Mrs. Benson made each of her own children feel special, wanting the best for them at all times and wishing them happiness.

Mrs. Benson was born in Graves County, Ky., five miles west of Mayfield August 22, 1909, to the late William Wyatt Clark and Francis "Fannie" Ethridge Gregory Clark. She graduated from Sedalia High School in 1927, then moved to Paducah, Ky. to work for South Central Bell from 1928 to 1935.

She married Jack Benson on August 4, 1934. They owned and operated Benson's Food Store at 416 North 7th for 17 years prior to his death. At a time when there were few businesswomen, she successfully managed the neighborhood grocery 11 more years before selling. She worked at Washington Junior High and Albritton's Pharmacy, then retired from Western Baptist Hospital as head switchboard operator in 1974. She was named National Telephone Operator of the year in 1969. She belonged to the Western Baptist Hospital Auxiliary, Professional Business Women Club and was a volunteer for the Red Cross. President Reagan invited her to the White House for her work in the Republican Party and she received the Duchess of Paducah recognition for her civic activities in 1989.

Mrs. Benson was a scout den mother, assisted with the PTA and always supported her three children to obtain their goals. She was an active member of the Broadway Church of Christ until her moves to be near family in Mayfield, Powell, Tenn. and Richmond. Her strong faith in God was the measure by which she made decisions and lived her life.

Survivors include her son and his spouse, Jack and Betty Benson of Richmond Va.; and daughters and spouses, Judy and Don Warren of Knoxville, Tenn. and Joan and Melvyn Jones of Louisville, Ky. Grandchildren and spouses include Chris Benson of Richmond, David Benson of Williamsburg, Va., Tony Benson of Birmingham, Ala., Ray and Brandy Warren of Powell, Tenn., Daniel and Jennifer Warren of Powell, Cindy and Neil Sisloff of Floyds Knobs, Ind. and Andrea and Kevin Deweese of Lexington, Ky. Great-grandchildren include Daniel Benson, Ryan Benson, Giovanni DeRosa-Benson, Robyn Gundlock, Hannah Warren, Lillian Warren, Mason Warren, Hayden Warren, Arionna Warren, Renee Sisloff, Benjamin Sisloff and Annabelle Deweese; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Benson was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit "Jack" Benson; her brothers, Cortez Clark, Hubert Clark and Howard Clark; her sisters, Era Travis, Alta Duncan, Elda Brady and Mary Elizabeth Starks.

A celebration of her life will be held at Lone Oak Chapel of Milner and Orr Funeral Home. Receiving of friends will be August 13th, 2011, at 1 p.m. with a 2 p.m. funeral and burial following in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Broadway Church of Christ Missionary Fund, P.O. Box 7315, Paducah, KY 42002-7315 or the American Heart Association.