WILMINGTON — Phyllis Marie Teague Benson, 75, formerly of 212 Loder Ave., Wilmington, peacefully passed away at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Phyllis was born Feb. 10, 1942, at James Walker Memorial Hospital, Wilmington. Phyllis was the daughter of Alton L. Teague and Mabel Justice Teague.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Louis Alton Teague of Wilmington, N.C.
She is survived by her son, John Allen Benson; daughters, Elizabeth Paige Brown, and her husband, Alexander Brown, and Belinda Catherine Volikas, and her husband, Hari Volikas, all of Wilmington, N.C.; sister, Betty Elaine Teague Long of Wilmington; three grandsons, Alan Ryan Benson, John Ryan Benson and Joseph Alton Benson; and one great-grandson, Weston Ryan Benson. Also mourning her loss is a beloved lifelong friend, Eloise Roseman of Wilmington, and her sweetheart and companion of 35 years, Elliot G. Hunter of Wilmington.
Phyllis was the business manager and general accountant of WWAY-TV and WECT-TV for more than 30 years until illness forced retirement upon her. She loved the broadcasting business, the challenges of her occupation, and her role of company “compassionate listener” to those who came to her seeking help with problems in their life.
She was an avid gardener, reader, loved to travel and loved to come home. She loved her feline friends, especially her Siamese cats. No critter that came to her door went away hungry and unloved. For a period of time, she raised Labrador retriever puppies.
Her greatest love, challenge and achievement were her children. She married John A Benson in 1962, and shortly thereafter, they started their business, John A Benson Surveyor. Phyllis was instrumental in operating the business serving as office manager and accountant.
Throughout the triumphs and difficulties of her life she was unfailingly positive and unstoppable, facing each challenge with determination, patience, kindness and grace.
Her greatest gift was her capacity for love, especially for her family and for friends and acquaintances, blessed to have been touched by her loving-kindness and tender spirit. She made a difference, and those who came to know and love her are richer for her presence.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 20, in the Sanctuary of Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, with the Rev. Ron Roughton officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
