Trice Funeral Home, Inc. | Fuquay-Varina, NC

Obituary For Joan Atwater Benton

As the sun rose early Saturday morning on April 15, 2023, God summoned a chariot of Angels to escort his faithful servant to her heavenly home. Joan Atwater Benton departed this life peacefully after enduring a lengthy illness.She was born on January 6, 1942, to the late Clyde and Catherine Mims Atwater. She was their first child and remained a joy to them until they passed away. Her maternal grandmother, the late Sarah Hicks Mims assisted in developing Joan's fine qualities as a responsible adult and parent. The love of her life, husband Robert Benton proposed, married, and relocated her from the Mims family farm to Newark, New Jersey.Growing up on the Mims farm with 19 cousins, 3 aunts, and 3 uncles gave her a strong sense of family value. Joan demonstrated that value throughout her life by visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and helping others when possible. She was known for sending cards on every occasion.As a child, Joan was taught strong Christian principles in her grandparents' church. She continued her Christian training as a member of the Greater New Sweet Springs Church pastored by her cousin, Rev. Dr. Jessie Mims. She was an active member who served on Pastors' Aid Board, Missionary Board, Senior Ministry Board, and a Church Mother. Her work as a faithful disciple was done with a smile despite her pain and she was actively involved in Bible Study Classes.Joan graduated from Fuquay Consolidated High School. While living in Newark, New Jersey she continued her academic growth at Essex County College. She retired from Aetna Insurance Company, Newark New Jersey, and worked several more years for Target Stores, No. Car.The Benton family moved to Charlotte, NC from Newark, New Jersey to live near their families. Once her husband Robert Benton passed away, her children became adults and her declining medical journey began, Joan moved to Apex, NC.Joan's immediate family the late Robert Benton, Daughters Avis Camilla Ford; Iris Benton (Deceased); Granddaughter: LaShanda Benton and Grandson: Cameron Ford, UAF all of Charlotte, NC. She cherished each of them shown by her ongoing love and support!Galinda A. Joyner, Beloved sister, and caretakerAmon Atwater, Supportive Brother, and advisor (Geraldine, Deceased); Charles Atwater (Deceased); Gladys Mims Ross(Eugene), sister-cousin and fill-in mother; Three nephews; Jerrell Joyner (Crystal), Carlos, and Henderson; Three nieces; Annette, Andrea, and Felicia, several great nieces and nephews. A huge multitude of loving friends and relatives nationwide. She was very diligent in maintaining family ties by communicating with the Mims, Taylor, Hicks, and Benton relatives on a regular basis. Her longtime girlfriend, Valerie Roundtree, Edgewood, MD was at the top of her list, and they spoke daily for many years.The unending caretaking love and support by her sister, Galinda Joyner, provided Joan with ongoing social outings, church attendance, medical support, vacations, and family visits. All of this was done with peace and comfort throughout her illness. They enjoyed a special bond of sisterhood!Joan Atwater Benton was a kind and quiet-mannered person but stayed strong in her convictions! She showed her loved and was loved by many. She will certainly be missed by all who met and knew her. Most of all, she performed 81 years of Christian deeds that leaves us with positive remembrances of her amazing lifestyle!Lovingly prepared by: Sister-cousin Gladys Ross, Culver City, California (April 15, 2023)

Wake: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Funeral will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Burial: Holly Springs City Cemetery in Holly Springs, NC.

Masks are required in order to attend the funeral service, the service will be live streamed, go to Youtube, and in the search box type in Trice Funeral Home Live Stream.

Guest Book

To the Benton and Atwater Families: Joan and I were friends throughout our years at Fuquay Consolidated School. Although we went our separate ways after graduation, we cherished the relationship. She will be missed!!! Orlean Burt Newton

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my condolences to the Atwater and Benton familys Chestina Dunston

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We are so sorry for the passing of Joan prayers for the family

- John &Sylvia Taylor

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Joan prayers have been going up for the family

- John &Sylvia Taylor

My the Lord send comfort to the family and friends of Aunt Joan

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My the Lord send comfort to the family and friends of Aunt Joan

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My the Lord send comfort to the family and friends of Aunt Joan

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My the Lord send comfort to the family and friends of Aunt Joan

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My our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ send comfort to family of Aunt Joan ... Sanders Family

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On behalf of LaRhonda Snellings and family you will be missed Aunt Joan❤❤❤

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Condolences to the Atwater and Benton Families. Joan will be greatly missed by all. May God comfort the family and love ones during this difficult time. Praying for you all. Love, Annie and family

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Ms. Bea will be greatly missed but her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared. God bless you!! Tonya Carpenter & Family.

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There are no words to describe the void that will be felt with the passing of Joan. She was a sturdy and solid rock for our family. She was genuinely loved and will be missed. The Gladys Ross children, grandchildren and great grandchildren...California

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My Condolences to the Benton/ Atwater Families. May God comfort and strength you. Grace Olive

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On behalf of the Pennington/Burrell family, we send our sincere condolences to you and your family. We also send our deepest thoughts and prayers.

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To the family of Joan Atwater Benton, I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. May God grant each of you his peace, love and comfort as you mourn your loss. Mamie Mckoy Richardson

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To the Benton and Atwater families: Condolences to all of you. I know Joan from Fuquay Consolidated High where she and I were classmates for twelve years. She will be remembered. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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My sincere condolences to the Benton/Atwater family at the home going of Joan. May the love of God grant you all comfort peace and strength during this difficult time. R.I.P Joan. Roberta Burton Norris

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To the Atwater and Benton Families, my sincere condolences. May God continue to strengthen and comfort you through this time. Betty Burt-Peebles and Family

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On behalf of the Greater New Sweet Springs Church family Pastor Jessie Mims we send our sincere condolences to the family of this faithful church member our prayers are with you at this time.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Trice Funeral Home, Inc. | Fuquay-Varina, NC