Betty Lynn Bussey Benton

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
1 Cor. 15:19

Betty Benton, 86, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday morning, May 27, 2018. She was born in Lebanon, VA, where she first met her husband at the age of 11. She then spent all of her adult life in Kingsport except for four years in Texas and Oklahoma while her husband served in the U. S. Air Force.

She was a 1950 graduate of Dobyns-Bennett. Betty was a faithful member of First Apostolic Christian Church where she served as a piano player for many years. She was an immaculate housekeeper. She had a green thumb and loved flowers. She was an accomplished and versatile piano player. Betty was a great cook and enjoyed hosting and serving her family during holiday gatherings. Before making a life-long career of raising her children and being a homemaker, she worked at Tennessee Eastman and Kingsport Hosiery Mill.

Betty was the daughter of Frank and Viola (Walls) Bussey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Irene Case, infant sister, Rosemond Bussey, and infant son, Timothy Wayne Benton.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 66 years, Rev. Thomas R. Benton, pastor of First Apostolic Christian Church; three daughters, Sherrie (Tim) Carver, Lisa (Les) Harrell, and Sonya (Freddie) Redman; four sisters, Marie Trent, Louise Taylor, Joyce (Wayne) Bruner, and Frankie (Gary) Yankee; brothers-in-law, Ernest Case, and Jack (Wilma) Benton; sister-in-law, Nadine Winston; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank various members of the church for their prayers, support, and help in this very difficult time, and Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care of our loved one.

The family will receive friends at First Apostolic Christian Church on Thursday, May 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Tim Carver and Rev. Freddie Redman, Jr. officiating.

The graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1 at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Cemetery Details