Shirley Elizabeth "Lib" Benton

Shirley Elizabeth “Lib” Buckner Benton, age 89, of Wallace North Carolina left this earthly life for her new home in Heaven to be forever with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, surrounded by loving family.

She was born January 10, 1937, in Duplin County; the daughter of the late David Wooten Buckner and Lucy Batts Buckner Everette. “Lib” was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years Roy Lee Benton; and her siblings David Buckner, Charles Buckner, Donald Buckner, Mary B. Smith and Susie B. Gallant.

Lib was a member of Corinth Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir when her health would allow. Earlier in life she was employed by J.P. Stevens and later she was employed and served the patients at Duplin Hospital and Pender Hospital for many years before retiring at the age of 72.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children four daughters, Dianne Benton Murray and husband Byron of Wallace, NC, Teresa Benton Adams and husband Floyd of Kenansville, NC, Sandra Benton Lanier of Rose Hill, NC and Patricia “Patty” Lyons Pierce of Spokane, WA; five grandchildren, Eric Murray and wife Morgan, Patrick Murray and wife Laken, Melissa Jones, Jason Pierce and Kyle Pierce; five great grandchildren, Jocelyn Jones, Carrlee Jack Murray, Skylar Murray, Cohen Murray and Baker Murray; sister Annette Hammomd of Deatsville, AL; special niece June Robinson and husband Jimmy of Rose Hill, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Lib dearly.

Lib was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and sister who adored her entire family. She found great joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest joy was family. Lib was a diligent homemaker and with a joyful spirit she filled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. She was a great cook and made the best chicken and pastry ever. Lib really enjoyed family get togethers when her family and extended families got together. These were special times for her. Being a good neighbor and friend, she was loved by all who knew her. Lib’s family is grateful to God for her life. Lib will be truly missed and will remain a warm memory in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC following the service.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Campbell Health & Rehab and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for the kindness, compassion, and devoted care they provided. Their patience, support, and acts of kindness brought peace and dignity during this season of life. A special thank you to Connor whom our mom adored and became like family.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Guestbook on this website.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace is serving the Benton family.