Through God’s love and grace, on February 7, 1961 my mother, Dorothy Benton, became the proud parent of her first child, Kim LaShay Benton. Our grandparents, the late Mr. Homer and Mrs. Iola Benton immediately took over rearing Kim and started, affectionately, calling her Diane.
Upon accepting Christ as her personal Savior, my sister joined Mount Hermon Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. C. L. Daugherty. She was a dedicated, consecrated, committed, and active member of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Matrons Ministry, Supervisor for the Junior Ushers, Supervisor for the Sunbeam, Cuisine Ministry, and the Beautification Ministry. On Sunday, November 11, 2007, during the 100th Anniversary of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church, she was awarded a beautiful centennial plaque for the outstanding services that she had rendered to the church.
She received her education in the Chambers County Public School System; and graduated from Valley High School in 1979. In 1981 Diane traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to assist two of her cousins, Marlene and Jessie, in the take care of their ailing mother, our great aunt Mellon Cooper, until she made her transition. They developed a close relationship while she lived in Atlanta. Consequently they called her their little sister.
After returning home she was employed by the WalMart Corporation. There she served in various positions including traveling to assist in setting up other WalMart stores in the southeast. While at WalMart my sister met and made a lot of friends, many of which still exist. She retired, as a supervisor, after twenty years with the corporation. She then became the matriarch of our family, taking care of not only her immediate family but extended family and friends.
While my sister did not care for traveling, she never missed a family reunion; whether in Florida, Alabama or Georgia she was always there doing what came natural to her, “pitching in to help”.
Diane had a personality that radiated love, patience and kindness to everyone that knew her. She was truly an inspiration to our family members in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Ohio including her church family, and her many friends.
On Monday September 12, 2011 the angels fitted my sister with her wings and she made her transition to be with her heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by our mother, Ms. Dorothy Ruth Benton and both our maternal grandparents. Kim’s precious memories will forever be engraved in the hearts of her loved ones: four precious children she reared as her very own: Tamara Dunn, Ziliyah Benton, Lashi Sharpe, and Latae Benton; all of Lanett, AL; one God child Kiaya Avery, Birmingham, AL; two devoted and loving sisters, Minister Bobbie (Egland) Ogletree and Mrs. LeShon (Eddie) Bledsoe, Lanett, AL; two caring brothers, Mr. Morris Ramsey, Lanett, AL and Rev. Frankie (Patrice) Hutchinson, Valley, AL; four precious aunts, Mrs. Mary Helen (George) Walker, Mrs. Laveron Ferrell, Lanett, AL; Mrs. Fannie Pearl Benton, Columbus, OH and Mrs. Katie Walker, Atlanta, GA; three uncles, Mr. Tommy Lee Benton, Mr. Homer Benton, Jr., and Mr. George Benton, Lanett, AL; one big special baby, LaShonda Benton and one devoted angel Tekela Walker, Lanett, AL; a God mother, Mrs. Jessie Lee Martin, Lanett, AL; three God sisters, Mrs. Eugenia (Rev. Tony) Avery, Mrs. Cynthia (Michael) Boyd, and Mrs. Phyllis Zachery (Bobby) Stiggers, three nephews, Frankie Hutchinson, Jr., Lagarian Hutchinson, and Kadarell Hutchinson all of Valley, AL; two God nieces, Jayla Lancaster and Jirah Lancaster; one God son, Alexander Jones; special cousins, Mrs. Bobbie (Anthony) Carter, Valley, AL; Mrs. Mary Ann (Henry) Bailey, Mr. Homer Walker, Mr. Griggs (Minnie) Walker, Mr. Morris Walker, Mr. Norris Walker, all of Lanett, AL; an array of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
KIM YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.
LOVE, YOUR SISTER
Bobbie Benton Ogletree
Professional services provided by Davis Memorial Mortuary Inc. in Valley Alabama. http://davismemorialmortuary.com
2011-09-27 16:14:29
My GOD my heart hurt daily for my only sister for 50years. ITseem like yesterday when I help on the bed to surgery ray with her told I LOVE HER see her when she come back down...TEARS,TEARS,TEAR
2011-09-19 07:07:23
Missing you and will keep your family in my prayers... we love
Julia, Tiffany, and Bianca
2011-09-17 01:19:58
To the Family,
Our sympathy and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May God continue to keep and bless you.
2011-09-16 16:45:49
To The Family,
Blessed are The Pure in Heart; For they Shall See God! We send our deepest sympathy! May the Lord comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time!
2011-09-16 02:31:21
To The Family
Kim was a sweet and loving person to know. I will always have the memories of working with her at Wal-Mart and that smile on her face. She will be dearly missed. From my family to yours, You have our deepest sympathy.
2011-09-15 15:14:05
TO THE FAMILY OF KIM BENTON.SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE WHENEVER I WOULD SEE HER IN WAL-MART.AND SHE WOULD ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH. SO TO THE BENTON FAMILY U HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. FROM RETHA & FAMILY
Leave a Tribute
2011-09-14 21:43:51i miss you so bad and i love you!
Cleveland and Betty King friends lit a candle at
2011-09-15 09:59:53Rest in peace Kim. Cleveland and Betty King
Corinthian Reid-(Tony) Tate cousin lit a candle at
2011-09-15 22:39:15Our prayers are with you now and in the days to come. I will always remember Kim beautiful smile. Cherish the memories.
Traci Graham/former co-worker lit a candle at
2011-09-16 12:25:59My prayers are with the Benton family. Kim was the kindest person I've ever met. Your family has lost a precious jewel. Be strong in the Lord and He'll see you through your time of sorrow.
Danny and Winifred Brown and family lit a candle at
2011-09-16 16:38:13Kim will always be in my heart.My prayers are with you and your family,we all have lost a kind sweet friend.
Major -n- ShaRon Gooden, lit a candle at
2011-09-16 16:56:03May this Light continues to Shine BRIGHT in your heart for Kim! GOD makes no mistakes! Kim is in HIS arm! SHE IS HOME!!!
Diane Joyner/Friend lit a candle at
2011-09-16 18:53:25Kim you will be miss.
bobbie walker 1st cosin lit a candle at
2011-09-20 15:47:22Bobbie Walker/Family 2011-09=20 3:43p.m
Francina Griggs, Cousin in West Palm Beach, FL lit a candle at
2011-09-27 11:59:50My dear sweet, loving cousin Diane. You will be truly missed. My visits to Alabama will not be the same. Thank you for being a WONDERFUL cousin. I know you are smiling down on us. hugs & kisses, Love
MINISTER BOBBIE OGLETREE lit a candle at
2011-10-30 22:22:56OH HOW I MISS MY ONLY SISTER... MY HEART HURT EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I LOOK AT ZILIYAH I SEE YOU....LOVE YOU DIANE
MY ONLY SISTER lit a candle at
2011-12-14 09:16:23SHE NOT GONG SHE JUST AWAY...
2011-09-16 19:11:27To the Family,
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious loved one. I remember seeing Ms. Benton everytime I would shop at Walmart. Words cannot take away the pain you feel, but knowing that others are thinking of you can be a source of strength. We pray that our Heavenly Father continues to wipe the tears from your eyes as we all await the time when we will be able to welcome our loved ones back by means of the resurrection. (Revelation 21:3, & John 5:28,29)