Matilda Pearl Housch Benton

Matilda Pearl Housch Benton, of the home, passed away Monday, April 4, 2016. She was 91. Born in Chickamauga, GA on June 27, 1924, Mrs. Benton was the daughter of the late Walter Matthew and Pearl Cunningham Housch. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Thomas F. Benton, two sisters Marion Housch Hutcheson and Florence Housch Lukeman, and two brothers, Max Housch and Edison Housch.

Growing up in Chickamauga, Matilda graduated Gordon Lee High School. She attended Maryville College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. Accepting a job in Jackson County as the County Home Demonstration Agent and 4-H advisor, she moved to Jefferson in 1947, where she met and later married Thomas Frazer Benton in 1949.

Thomas and Matilda lived in Commerce the rest of their lives. Matilda was a homemaker in their early years and then later worked with her husband at the JB Hardman Insurance Agency and the Commerce Building & Loan, later Athens Federal. She was a licensed insurance agent.

Mrs. Benton was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce for over 60 years. She served as president of the United Methodist Women, Chairman of Worship and Membership Chairman. She served 30 continuous years on the Administrative Board. She was a member of the Church choir, Circle 2 (Hannah), Saints Alive, Alter Guild and Prayer & Care. She was also an active member in Pine Tree Garden Club for over 30 years, where she served as Secretary and Treasurer. She played an active role in their many gardening and nursing home projects.

Matilda was an avid supporter of Girl Scouts, USA. She was a local troop leader and volunteer for 20 years. She instilled the Girl Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” in all her children; her three daughters received the “First Class” Honor Badge during her tenure. She served on the State Council and received the “Thanks Award”, the highest award given to volunteer adult leadership.

In addition to her camping and outdoor activities, Matilda had many hobbies. She was an accomplished seamstress and baker. She also enjoyed playing the piano. She loved spending time with her family, cooking many a Sunday dinner for all to enjoy. She always looked forward to the annual family beach vacation, where she developed her video camera hobby, much to her family’s dismay. She was a competitive player of many card and board games and loved jigsaw puzzles. At 71, she joined the hospital fitness center, where she spent her mornings walking the treadmill and rowing. In later years, she enjoyed long rides, feeding the ducks and became an ardent bird watcher.

Mrs. Benton is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Tommy and Karen Benton of Jefferson, daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Jimmy Hooper of Maysville, daughter and son-in-law Matilda and Robert Wangerien of Sandy, UT and daughter Elizabeth Benton of Commerce; five grandchildren, LeighAnn Benton Allison, Thomas Housch Benton, Jr., Frances Hooper Whitlock, Wyatt Benton Hooper and John Wesley Terrell; six step-grandchildren, eight great-children and several nieces and nephews.

The Housch-Benton family would like to thank her long-time caregivers, Judy Hicks, Heyward Barnett and Dorothy Haggard for all the love and support they gave to Miss Matilda and her entire family.

Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. on Thursday, April 7^th at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with Dr. David Bowen and Dr. Jason Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow at Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday night from 5 to 8p.m. Thomas Benton, Jr., Wyatt Hooper, John Terrell, Sam Weaver, Casey Allison and Jason Whitlock will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church Music Fund, PO Box 16, Commerce, GA 30529, Girl Scouts, USA at www.girlscouts.org  or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Little-Ward Funeral Home in charge of services.