Letha Benfield

MORGANTON Mrs. Letha Elizabeth Whisnant "Nanny" Benfield, 86, of Morganton went to her heavenly home, Thursday, July 26, 2012. She was born Aug. 21, 1925 to the late Lloyd and Ellie Smith Whisnant. Letha was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She was a wonderful lady who liked everyone she met, and welcomed them with open arms to her home. Letha also loved and cared for many children. Letha is survived by a daughter, Ann Peeler and husband, Don, of Morganton; grand-daughters, Donna Peeler and Angie Ledford and husband, Rod, all of Morganton; great-grand-children, Ben, Joe, and Luke Ledford; sisters, Muriel W. Smith, of Sylva,, Faye W. McCoy, and Vernie W. Chapman and husband, Don, all of Morganton; special nephews, Tracy and Ty Chapman; many other nieces and nephews; and her four legged canine friend, Dumpling, who will greatly miss Letha. In addition to her parents, Letha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, John Reid "Bud" Benfield; brothers, Carl, Ray, Ned, Howard, Max, Owen, and Charles "Sonny" Whisnant; and sisters, Ruth W. Beck, Louise W. Dale, and Doris W. Allman. A celebration of Letha's life will be held at 4 p.m. today, Sunday, July 29, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, with the Rev. April Abernethy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church M.P.A.C. Building Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655.

Published in The News Herald on July 29, 2012