LELAND — On Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, following a valiant battle with a long-term illness, Frances Hardwick Benton, 81, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior.
She was born Dec. 18, 1935, in Columbus County, N.C., to the late Hanson Hardwick and Maude Anderson Hardwick. It was here where she began an early walk with Christ that would continue throughout the remainder of her life.
A woman of unshakable faith, Frances glowed with a light kindled by the Holy Spirit. She shared this light with all who she met and instilled her deep love for Jesus Christ in her children and grandchildren. She spent many years of service alongside of her husband, who pastored Bethel Holiness Church in Leland. As an elder of the church and a prayer warrior, Frances reached out to the sick and disadvantaged. She blessed everyone with her servant’s heart and infectious smile.
In addition to her immense dedication to God, Frances was a highly talented seamstress and cook, as well as an avid gardener.
She is survived by her daughter, Martha Mintz, and her husband, Ronald of Leland, N.C.; son, Clay Benton, also of Leland; grandchildren, Amanda Mintz and her husband, Ricky, Justin Mintz, and his wife, Tyler, Blair Benton and Dallas Benton; one great-grandson, Levi Mintz; and sister, Jackie Singletary of Whiteville, N.C.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. H. Cleaon Benton; and sisters, Irene Hardee and Louise Normant.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7, at Andrews Valley Chapel with the Rev. Andy Ottaway officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the beginning of services. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Ronald Mintz, Justin Mintz, Lee Chewning, Jim Shackleford and Namon Batts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Castle Hayne Church of God.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff and Ms. Carolyn Groves of Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Brunswick County, as well as Frances’ caregivers, Ricky Mintz and Nancy Simmons.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
