Margaret Jeanette Benton, age 94, a resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at her home with family members by her side.
She was born in Hayesville, N.C. on Sept. 28, 1926, moving to Cleveland in 1938.
Jeanette was the daughter of the late Reverend Glover P. Ledford and Hazel Davis Ledford. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Herbert Benton, Sr.; only sister, Jewel Randolph of Cleveland; and all four brothers, Frank, Donald, Beverly and Joe Ledford, all of Cleveland.
She attended Bradley High School, but graduated her senior year from BTS in Sevierville, Tn. in 1944, and then gained employment at the Church of God Publishing House in the bookkeeping division.
After marrying in 1948, she did the office work for Herbert Benton Used Cars for almost 70 years.
She was a faithful member of the North Cleveland Church of God and a charter member of the Unity Sunday School Class since its inception with her direction, in 1948.
Jeanette loved outdoor scenery with many trips to New England and Montana with the Canadian Rockies her favorite. She was also very fond of Tusquittee Valley near Hayesville where she was born. You could also find her enjoying life on her riding mower cutting grass which she loved doing as well. She often stated that this was her prayer time.
Survivors include sons and wives, Herbert Benton Jr. and Fay French Benton of Cleveland, David Benton and Sandra York Benton of Cleveland, and Phillip Benton and Sheila Hannah Benton of Cleveland; two grandchildren, Joy Benton of Cleveland, Grant Benton and wife Jamie Benton of Redmond Oregon; and five great-grandchildren.
The Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel with Pastor Cy Harris, Brad Benton and Keith Ledford officiating. Internment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with Grant Benton, Ethan Bates, Brad Benton, Robin Bryan, Roger York, Luke Benton and Franklin Odom serving as active casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Randy Randolph and Keith Ledford.
The family request in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Cleveland Church of God Unity Sunday School Class, C/O North Cleveland Church of God, 335 11th St. N. E. Cleveland, Tennessee 37311.
The family would like to say a special thank you to her caregivers, Glenda Smith, Laura Ricketts and her daughters-in-law, Fay Benton, Sandra Benton and Sheila Benton. Also to her CNAs, Janie Barton, Annie Wilcox, Kelsey Farris, Lindsey Steward, Margie Willis and to her RN, Randi Johnson. Because of their service, Mrs. Benton was able to stay at home for all her care.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel who has charge of the arrangements.
You may share your condolences and your memories with the Benton family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.