Martha Ann Benson, of Trinity Church Road, Valdese, passed peacefully at home on March 13, 2024, surrounded by her husband and children.
Born in Caldwell County, NC on May 18, 1943, Martha spent her formative years in Granite Falls, graduated from Hudson High School, class of 1962, and was a longtime resident of Valdese, NC. A lifelong student, she earned a degree in Psychology from Lenoir Rhyne College, and was a member of the prestigious Mensa academic society.
Martha was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Herman Benson (d.1983), and Artie Alberta Freeman Benson (d.1987)
She is lovingly survived by her husband of 35 years, David Griffith of Valdese, NC, her sisters Phyllis Benson and Barbara Benson, both of Asheville, North Carolina. She is also survived by her daughter, Laura Hollifield Thomas, and her husband Clark of Irmo, South Carolina, her son, Edward Benson Hollifield and his wife, Denise, of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was immensely proud of her 5 grandchildren; Rachel Thomas, of Santa Cruz, CA, Adam Thomas of Spartanburg, SC, Sarah Thomas of Charleston, SC, Andrew Hollifield of Charlotte, NC, and Claire Hollifiled, of Wilmington, NC, as well her nieces, Zoe Penland, of Asheville, NC, and Apryl Carpenter of Goldsboro, NC and their families. Her rich family tree also includes many more cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Martha had a long career of public service at the North Carolina Employment Security Commission where she retired after many years, in 2002. After retirement Martha, worked for 10 years at Western Piedmont Community College as a GED lab tutor and volunteered at the Good Samaritan Clinic pharmacy.
Martha was an avid reader who enjoyed many different books from an early age. She immersed herself in literature and studied history and explored the world through her books. She was a formidable adversary over the Scrabble board and an asset in any trivia contest.
Above all, Martha loved music and learned from her father how to play guitar as a young child. She pursued a rich eclectic life of music, exploring many guitar styles and often joined in the Saturday bluegrass jam at the Drexel Barbershop, where she humbly excelled at the flat-pick guitar style. Martha passed this love of music and ability on to many of her family members who will carry on her legacy through frequent family jams and gatherings. She was the heart and leader of the family band and will be forever remembered wherever music gathers.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service. The family will gather with friends following the service from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice at www.amoremsupport.com
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.
We love you Martha and will deeply miss you. ❤️
Thinking if the family with love.
I will miss my lifelong friend Martha. We have many joys together. Martha is the last and longest person who knew all about me. R.I.P. my dear friend. She had such a kind heart. Prayers sent up for all of her family and loved ones.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I met Martha at the Phifer YMCA. She was a blessing to everyone as she continued to come do water aerobics. She was a delightful and beautiful lady. I will miss her beautiful smile 😞
I will miss my buddy. When I moved here from PA and began working at the ESC, she and I became friends. She was a wonderful woman full of life and love. She will be missed by me. Love you always, Martha
I met Martha at the Phifer wellness center she was a very lovely Lady, my Condolence to her family..🙏
I worked with Martha at the Employment Security Commission for many years. We had alot of good times together as a work family. She was a special lady and friend.
With much love to David and family