IRIS was born on July 25, 1963, in Wake County, NC. She was the second daughter of the late Robert Benton and Joan Atwater Benton. During her early childhood, her family resided in North Carolina on her grandparents' the late Clyde and Catherine Mims Atwaters, tobacco farm. She attended church and Sunday school with her family at Sweet Springs CME Church.Her parents moved to Newark, New Jersey, and lived there for 6-7 years. While living in Newark Iris attended Sussex Avenue Elementary School and was very active in extracurricular activities.The Benton family decided to leave New Jersey and move closer to their immediate families. They settled in Charlotte, North Carolina where Iris spent the rest of her life. She attended and graduated from Olympic High School, Charlotte, NC in June 1981. Continuing to strengthen her Christian faith she joined and served as a 10+ year member at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC.She leaves to mourn her departure, a devoted Mother, Joan A. Benton of Wake County, NC., dedicated Daughter, LaShanda Antoinette Benton; Faithful Sister, Avis Camilla Ford; and Nephew-son, Cameron Ford, UAF all reside in Charlotte, NC. Aunt; Galinda Atwater Joyner, Holly Springs, NC; Uncle; Amon Atwaters (Geraldine deceased), Holly Springs, NC; Auntie-cousin; Gladys Ross (Eugene) Culver City, California; Loving First Cousins; Jerrell, Felicia, Catherine Annette, Carlos, Henderson, Andrea; Many close friends in the Charlotte area and a host of relatives located nationwide.Her father, Robert Benton, had 2 sisters and 2 brothers from the Benson area of North Carolina who are deceased. Some of the Benton family members still reside in that area. Her mother, Joan Atwater Benton parents, Clyde H. Atwater & Catherine Mims Atwater, and brother, Charles Atwater are also deceased.As an outgoing social person, it was easy for IRIS to meet and enjoy people. She has an open heart, loved her family, and communicated with them often regardless of their residence. The ongoing communication with her California family was weekly because they had lived together in New Jersey. She attended and enjoyed family reunions, parties, and gatherings on the Mims Ponderosa in North Carolina. Her favorite topics were Aunt Geraldine's Pineapple Cake, Aunt Galinda's Fish Fry, Uncle Dickie's Cookouts, and wise mentoring by Cousin Rev. Jessie Mims.IRIS left deep footprints in the sands of time for our remembrance of her love and daughter that she shared over and over with us!Prepared by Auntie-Cousin Gladys Ross

Memorial service will be held 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.