Susan's mom went to be with Jesus quite sudden and unexpectedly on Tuesday. She was found deceased in her home. Her spirit had long since left and had joined those she loves in heaven.
We had been on vacation, and Mrs. Benton had joined us at the beach last Thursday for some seafood in Calabash, NC. We had an enjoyable time of talk and laughter. We saw Mrs Benton last this past weekend as we stopped overnight on Saturday on our way back home. She happily waved us goodbye as we drove off that Sunday afternoon.
Mrs. Benton had a servant's heart. She always put herself last and her family first. She never complained about anything life dealt her, and made the best of every situation. She just had a way of making everyone feel at home in her presence.
She has been a gracious mother in law to me. She loved me and my family unconditionally, and constantly looked for was to bless and help. Her words were encouraging, and funny! She had such a southern way of expression!
Mrs. Benton was such a good grandmother, being present at the birth of all my children (or at least showing up the next day when we lived in Tulsa). She was a huge help to Susan when our kids were young and we were just beginning ministry.
She endeared herself to my children with her loving presence. She was never too busy to listen to them, spend time with them, or cook up some good 'ol southern treats!
Mrs. Benton selflessly took care of her husband in his later years as his health failed. She never complained about the long hours, or of the tediousness of his daily care. She was such a woman to be admired!
My family and I miss her so much. The kind words. The encouragement. The understanding. The delicious food!
We're headed to the funeral home to make arrangements for a memorial service. I'm reminded as I close of Proverbs 31. It fit her so well!
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:10-31 -NLT)
She sounds like a wonderful woman and I wish I had known her. I am grateful, however, to know her neice, Eva. God bless you and your family.
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