Loretta Benson

Mrs. Loretta Smith Benson took her eternal rest on May 14, 2026, at the home surrounded by her loved ones. Loretta was the daughter of the late William T. Davenport and the late Bessie Lee Smith Robinson Young.

Loretta was preceded in death by her sisters, Mildred O. Young, Sandra L. Palmore, and Debra Davenport, and her brothers, Edward T. Young, William Davenport, Jareth Davenport, and Tyrone Davenport.

Loretta was educated in the Newberry County School System. She later moved to the Gateway Region of New Jersey, residing in Newark and Jersey City, where she was employed by companies such as Western Electric and General Motors. Loretta eventually returned to South Carolina, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing certification while employed with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs at Whitten Center in Clinton, South Carolina. Loretta faithfully served there for 28 years until her retirement. Simultaneously, she dedicated 16 years of service as a nurse with the Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

Loretta was deeply active within her community and church. She was a faithful member of Elisha AME Church, where she served in numerous auxiliaries, including as an appointed Steward, and was also a member of the Voices of Elisha choir.

Loretta was also a proud member of the Newberry Chapter of the NAACP until her health began to decline.

She was a faithful member of the Women’s Home Aid Society, where she served on the Executive Board as well as President of Lodge #19.

In addition to her many community involvements, Loretta was a dedicated member of the South Carolina Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star, New Jerusalem Chapter #58, for more than 20 years. She later served with the Daughters of Meridian #274 for an additional 7 years.  Throughout her years of service, Loretta held the distinguished positions of Associate Matron and Worthy Matron in both chapters.

Loretta possessed a true servant’s heart. She loved people and was always willing to encourage and empower others through sharing knowledge, wisdom, faith in God, and anything that would promote a person’s overall well-being.

Loretta enjoyed socializing with family and friends. She especially loved inviting loved ones into her home for heartfelt conversations and spirited games of Pokeno.

Loretta leaves to cherish her loving memory two devoted daughters, Joann Benson Suber Wilson of Newberry, South Carolina, and Tanya Benson Graham of Irmo, South Carolina; her sister, Brenda I. Green of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; her brothers, Dean R. Young and Jerry L. Young of Newberry, South Carolina; Kevin Davenport and Richard Davenport of Jersey City, New Jersey; her uncles, Joseph Rhodes Jr. and Bill Thompson, both of Newberry, South Carolina; and her aunt, Laura Hawkins Davenport of Jersey City, New Jersey.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Darryl Suber, Jr. of Worcester, Massachusetts; Dahad Suber and Jeremey Wilson of Newberry, South Carolina; John Wilson of Sierra Vista, Arizona; and Genesis Toland of Bremerton, Washington; and eight beloved great-grandchildren.

Loretta also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who were all dear to her heart.

Among her devoted friends are Mary Ann Blakely; Shirley Williams; Mildred Simpkins; Tasha Houston; Annette Kinsler; Sue Wilson; Raynell Wilson; and Dorothy Sanders.

Her devoted cousins and relatives include Geraldine Pratt; Shirley Smith; Reverend Adelia M. Davis; Barbara Bouknight Moore, Margaret Mozee, Betty Herbert,  and Clara Griffin.

Though Loretta has departed this earthly life, her legacy of love, faith, compassion, and dedicated service will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

No public visitation will be held for Mrs. Loretta S. Benson.

Funeral services will be conducted 2pm Saturday, May 23, 2026, Trintiy AME Church Silverstreet, SC. 

Interment will follow in the Elisha AME Church Yard Cemetery.

The family of Loretta S. Benson will receive guests on Sunday, May 17th through Friday, May 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the home of her brother, Jerry L. Young, 2513 Sycamore Drive, Newberry, SC 29108.

The family will also receive guests at the home of her daughter, Tanya Benson Graham, at 5 Keyspur Court, Irmo, SC 29063.

Wilson Funeral Home is honored to assist the Benson family.

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