Grace Benton, 95

“Amazing” Grace Benton, pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, mother, and grandmother has passed away on June 8 at age 95. She is now in heaven joining her husband Reverend Howard Benton and in the presence of Jesus who she so faithfully served for many years.

Grace graduated from New Hebron High School and then went on to graduate from Business College. She worked for a short time for AT&T (maybe Southern Bell back then). She and Howard married in 1949 and she became what I call the perfect preacher’s wife. At every church she and Dad served, she was a friend to all church members- wanting everyone to know they were equally special.

Her favorite hobbies were singing in the church choir, working in the yard and, of course, trying to make my dad behave. Those of you who knew my dad know what a full time job that was! Grace also taught a young women’s Sunday School class for many years and was greatly admired by all the young women she taught.

A special thanks is offered to Julia Sills for the loving care she gave Grace during her illness. Also, we thank the staff at Baptist Hospice (Jameka, Stephanie, and Summer) for the gentle kindness shown during every visit to our home.

On a personal note, as her daughter I want to say that I couldn’t have had a better mother. Through every spanking, every mistake and every hard decision I had to make in life she was always there with me to encourage me every step of the way. I love you Mom and will miss you every day.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, parents, Luther and Tina Gray of Mendenhall, MS, two brothers Earl Gray of Savannah, GA and Hurschell Gray (Neita Faye) of Mendenhall, MS.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Leona Gray of Savannah, GA, daughter Joan Boyd (Mike) of Brandon, MS, grandson Alex Boyd (Heather) of Madison, MS and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Brandon Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Brandon Baptist Church in Brandon. Interment will be at Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Mendenhall.  Dr. Clarence Cooper and Dr. Ricky Gray will officiate the services.

Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com