of Little Rock, AR
November 24, 1927 - October 27, 2010
Anita Carr Benafield, 82, of Little Rock, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. She was born on November 24, 1927 in Star City, Arkansas, to Eva Lee (Norton) and Frank Carr. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Anita grew up in England, Arkansas, graduated from England High School, then attended Hendrix College in Conway. She was a teacher, a Deputy U.S. Marshall, and worked part-time in the Arkansas State Senate. But most importantly, she dedicated herself fully to raising her children.
Anita had a strong faith and will be remembered as a devoted and lifelong member of the Methodist Church. She served in many areas of worship and service at First United Methodist Church in England, and later at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.
At PHUMC, Anita served as president of the Bible Study Sunday School class and was a member of United Methodist Women Mary and Martha Circle, having served as chairman. She was also a member of the Society of St. Stephen, Read It Again Bible Study group, Primetimers, an Encourager with Cancer Friends and a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Support Group. Anita was also a Stephen Minister, an honorary member of the Board of Stewards and was a volunteer in the church office. For the past several years, Anita enjoyed serving as a worship greeter, where members and visitors will remember her friendly hospitality.
Anita was an avid reader, enjoyed the art of making cookies, and enjoyed spending time with friends. But most of all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed being with her family.
She is survived by two daughters, Dawne Vandiver and Shannon Aston, and her husband, David; five grandchildren: Matt Vandiver (Lauren), Katie Vandiver, Whitney Vandiver Wellborn (Trey), Drew Aston and Ryan Aston; three great-grandchildren: Oscar and Byron Vandiver and Gracie Wellborn, all of Little Rock; and cousins Bill, Mary Jane and Russell Reed of England; and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, October 29, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Arkansas. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. at Mulberry Cemetery in England, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Matt Vandiver, David Aston, Drew Aston, Ryan Aston, Bill Reed, Trey Wellborn, and James Vandiver.
Memorials may be made to the Anita Benafield Endowment of the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Foundation, or ACCESS Schools, 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.
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22 Condolence(s)
Kathy Rogers
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Dawne
I remember your mom as a pretty and sweet lady.
I also want to age as she did, staying active and helping others. What a great life she led.
Deborah Benafield
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Dearest Dawne, Shannon, David and kids--I was so very sorry to hear that your mom was gone. Having only met her very few times I found her to be delightfully witty and caring. I know your hearts are breaking and only time and faith can ease the sorrow although it never eases the longing for her presence. My very best to you all. Deborah Benafield
Judy Dillow
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was always so sweet when she called for flower business and Ms. Dolly thought so much of her. Judy (England Flowers)
Karen Lowery
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawne,
Your mother is truly one of a kind! Her smile was contagious, and conversations with her were just so much fun! I remember looking forward to seeing her at the girls' events, and soaking up that amazing spirit of hers.
I am so sorry for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in your memories of times with her, and hope in the legacy of love she leaves for you.
May God Bless you all,
Mike and Karen Lowery
Judy McKellips Smith
Friday, October 29, 2010
I was so sorry to read of your mother's passing. She always visited with me when I attended the Primetimers with my dad. She certainly was a very stunning and gracious lady. I will miss her smile and friendliness.
David Good
Friday, October 29, 2010
My condolences.
Jacque Good
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawne,
My thoughts & prayers are with you
And your family. What a gracious lady
Your mom was. I have so many wonderful
Memories of her and Alta Jean together & she will be missed by so many people.
Gail Burks(Myrtle)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawne and Shannon, I was really sorry to hear of your mothers' passing..my mom worked for her for a long time or rather they sat and talked most of the time and when my mother passed we spoke several times in the year after my mom passed, she was always concerned how we were doing, she was truly a WONDERFUL person!! and she will be greatly missed! Please accept my familys' condolences.
Phyllis Cox Parnell
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawne and family-
So very sorry to read of your loss. I have fond memories of your mom-- and her parents too. May God comfort you in your loss.
Jean Robinson Wallace
Friday, October 29, 2010
My whole family is so saddened by the passing of Miss Anita. She has been such a special person all my life and for many members of the family. All our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jeannie Fletcher
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dear Dawne,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was always special to me and made me feel so welcome in your home. No matter how much French onion dip we consumed in your kitchen, there was always more waiting for us upon our return from school the next day. Wonderful memories of a wonderful lady. You are on my mind and in my prayers. I love and miss you,
Jeannie
Annette Rogers Haney
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dear Dawne and all the family,
Anita was a Grand Lady, personality plus and filled with a wonderful zest for life. It was always a joy to see her and be in her company. She will be sadly missed , but all who knew her will have the blessing of her warm and lovely spirit always.
seleta
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawne and family,
So sorry about your Mother's death. Peace and blessings to all of you.
Seleta and Lauren
Ann Honeycutt
Friday, October 29, 2010
To Dawne, Shannon, and the extended family....My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear mother, who was a Hendrix College roommate of our mother, Sue Sullivan Honeycutt, who grew up in Lonoke. Anita was especially attentive and sweet to our mother when her marriage ended in 1995, and especially after her diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in 2003. Mother looked up to Anita and enjoyed those two years at Hendrix and their lifelong friends. May Anita rest in peace.
Annette Williams
Friday, October 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Anita's family. I enjoyed knowing Anita through UMW. She was a dedicated member of our UMW group and of Pulaski Heights UMC. She will be greatly missed, especially her smile and great personality.
Lyn and Bill Albright
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dawn: Bill and I were sad to read of your mother's death this morning. I always thought she was so pretty and elegant. Even though we don't see you often, you know we love you. Sending a hug.
Buffy Alten
Friday, October 29, 2010
I met Anita at Whitney & Trey's wedding and liked her immediately! She was so warm and friendly and we also shared the same birthday! When reading her obituary I just realized that her Mother's maiden name was Norton, as was mine! So sorry for the entire family. What a lovely person.
Betsy Kemp
Thursday, October 28, 2010
My love and prayers to all of Anita's family. You were truly a inspiration and leader to us all. So many people with so many fond memories are thinking of your family tonight.
Vicki Holloway
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Anita and I have known each other a long time at PHUMC and UMW. She was a wonderful, wonderful friend and a true Southern lady.
Niki Rushing Gray
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dawne and Shannon you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed.
Sydney Kellam
Thursday, October 28, 2010
You make everything and everyone HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU GRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronnie N. Jones
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dawne, Shannon and all the family. Anita was a wonderful person. She was so kind and thoughtful to me during the twenty years that she was my friend. I will never forget her. My thoughts are with you. Ronnie