Inez Childree Benton

Inez Childree Benton, 77, a resident of Newton joined her family and friends in heaven Tuesday July 3, 2012 at Flowers Hospital.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Benton was born September 18, 1934 in Dale County, AL to the late William Augustus and Emma Davis Childree and resided most of her life in Newton, AL. She was a member of the 1952 class of Newton High School where she was a member of the cheerleading squad. Mrs. Benton married her high school sweetheart and soul mate, David Benton, 62 years ago. She was employed with Dale County Hospital for 15 years. She tirelessly devoted her time and attention to others and was actively involved in civic organizations. She was also a member of the Newton Ruritan Club and served as Miss Newton Beauty Pageant director for 35 years.

Mrs. Benton was preceded in death by her parents William Augustus and Emma Davis Childree, and her brothers, Virgil Childree, Cecil Childree, Frank Childree, Hildry Childree, Tullie Childree, Sam Childree, Rex Childree, and Jessie Childree.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years David W. Benton of Newton; a son David (Donna) Benton of Dothan; a daughter Donna (Dean) Tate of Dothan; 6 grandchildren, Carol (Mike) Andrews, Brandy Knowles, Buzzy Jerkins, David Benton, JoAna (Chris) McKenzie, and Harrison Benton; 7 great-grandchildren, Shelby Andrews, David Michael Andrews, Holden Knowles, Lawson McKenzie, Jack Andrews, Madison McKenzie, and Ella Claire McKenzie; a sister Birdie Barnett of Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Betty Childree of Slocomb, Nan Childree of Crestview, FL, and Myrtice Childree of Newton; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be David Benton, Harrison Benton, Buzzy Jerkins, Mike Andrews, Chris McKenzie, Dean Stanford, and Ted Stanford.