Lessie Minish Benton

Mrs. Lessie Minish Benton, age 98, of Commerce, GA died Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at her residence.  Mrs. Benton was born in Liberty, GA to the late David Lee and Eva Leila O’Kelley Minish.  She was a member of Erastus Christian Church and was retired from Commerce City Schools as a lunchroom manager.  She was the previous registrar for United Daughters of the Confederacy, a member of the Grey Ladies at BJC, Golden Heirs and Jolly Agers.  She was the former treasure and president of the Minish Reunion and an avid gardener.  Her family and heritage were very important to her.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Benton was preceded in death by her husband, Verner R. Benton; sisters, Mae Ola Estes, Icie Leachman, Mildred Fitzpatrick and Gwen Johnson; and brothers, Horace Minish, John D. Minish, Woodrow Minish, Roland Minish and R.B. Minish.         

Mrs. Benton is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly and Bob McDowell of Athens, Brenda and Walter Wynn of Rockledge and Gail and Randal Stinson of Macon; sisters, Hallie Grace Fitzpatrick of Ila and Susie Davis of Commerce; grandchildren, Holly McDowell, Rob McDowell, Eva Evans, Jason Wynn, Jennifer Davis, Julie Ramsey, Samantha Stinson, Jessica Roberts and Jonathan Stinson; 13 great-grandchildren and 26 nieces and nephews.          

Funeral services will be at 2 PM, Saturday, May 2 at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Mr. Steven Parker officiating.  Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday night from 6 to 8 PM.           

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.