WILMINGTON — Alma Rooks Benson, of Wilmington, beloved mother of John A. Benson Jr. (Barbara) and Margaret Benson McDuffie (Allan) went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Sept. 26, 2016.
She was born Nov. 5, 1913, in Bladen County, the fourth of six children, to the late Luther J. Rooks and Livvie Corbett Rooks.
She graduated from Atkinson High School in the class of 1932. In addition to her children she is survived by her sister, Livvie Lewis; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Benson was a beautiful lady inside and out who had an ageless and fun personality. Her dry sense of humor and quick wit made it a pleasure to be in her presence. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and gave generously of her time and talents, not only to those she loved but to many she never knew.
She derived great satisfaction in doing for others and lost count of how many afghans she made for family and friends. She volunteered more than 25 years of service to the New Hanover County Services for the Aging and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She thoroughly enjoyed organizing many senior trips and traveling as their tour hostess. She was a member of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church for over 70 years and was a member of Circle No. 1. She remained active until age 95, when she became homebound.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road, with Rev. Steve Mattis and dear friend Rev. Ron Roughton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service and interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the organizations listed above and would be greatly appreciated.