Lois Kenan Benton passed away on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Duplin County on Jan. 13, 1926 to the late Alfred Bennie Kenan and Nettie Bradshaw Kenan.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Edmond Dixon; her husband, Alton Benton; and her eldest son, Charles Thomas (Tommy) Minton, Jr.
Lois was a devoted mother and homemaker. She worked full-time at various jobs in Wilmington. At the age of 50, she enrolled in nursing school, earning her degree as an LPN. Upon graduation, she worked at various care facilities in Wilmington until her retirement at age 78.
She made many friends along the way. She was feisty and funny, and if you got to know her, you wouldn’t forget her.
Our fondest memories are Christmases and the countless Sunday dinners she lovingly prepared. She was a good cook, as was her mother before her, which many people commented on, especially her desserts.
To our “Little Mama:” From the day we were little boys, you were the one constant in our lives. We always knew we were loved and you knew you were loved in return, no doubt. Our hearts are broken. We know you didn’t want to leave, because you fought so hard to stay, but you couldn’t. Til the end of our days we will love, honor and respect you. You will never be forgotten. Love always, Steve and Eddie.
Lois is survived by her sons, Steve and Eddie Minton and special daughter-in-law, Rosemary Minton; two sisters, Geraldine Mills of Topsail Beach and Faye Wells of Wallace; granddaughter, Cindy Durno (Sean) of Leland; grandsons, Tommy Minton of Atlanta, Georgia and Robert R. Burton of Wilmington; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Burton, Sean Michael Durno, Brittany Durno and Shaunna Jordan; three nephews and one niece; and special friends Debbie and Phyllis Stillman and Nita Hooker.
We would also like to thank the staff of Northchase Nursing and Rehab Center for Mama’s care over the last three years–nurses Jo, Andy, Susan and Catherine and a special loving thank you to her personal caregivers Carolyn, Francis, Thai, Shonta, Trevelyn and others.
We love you, and will miss you.
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 11 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, with Pastor Dick Teed officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice, if you wish.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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