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.
Iris was a wonderful person. She always shared a smile and laugh with me. Such a blessing to know her. Condolences to all her family and friends. Doris Floyd, Mount Pisgah Church Gastonia NC
We are so sorry for the loss of a Beautiful, sweet, kind hearted soul. Iris was always there to help me in the kitchen at Mt. Pisgah whenever I needed her. Always giving and smiling no matter the situation, she will truly be missed. Her smile lights every candle!
Cousin Jo ann and family sending our deepest condolences. Don and Carol Williams
To the family of Iris Benton, Iris was a loving person and member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC. She is truly missed by our congregation. She always had a smile and something funny to say to me. Family, may you find the comfort of our heavenly father, The God of all comfort. Faye Harris
To my cousin Joan and family. I was so sorry to hear about the homegoing of your daughter and my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. I pray that the love of God comfort you and family like no other one can. Be blessed and know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Love to the family, Clarese McLean Howard
To my friend, Joan Benton and family, I was saddened to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you!!
Orlean Burt Newton
God's timing is always perfect! He chose the Holy Week to call Iris home and we must honor him with Thanks as we celebrate her homecomingππ½ππ½ππ½ππ½ Cousin Gladys & Eugene Ross
Love to my favorite cousin Joan with prayer... Cephus Arnell Ray
Love, prayers and sympathy to Joan, LaShanda and Camilla. I will miss the weekly calls from Iris Joan Pamela Ray
Love to cousin Joan, LaShanda and Camilla for the loss of Iris. I know how much she meant to you. I will miss talking to her every week Joan Pamela Ray
Much love to our North Carolina family as they celebrate the homecoming our beloved Cousin Iris! Sympathy and prayers from Gladys Mims Ross and the California relatives!
Greater New Sweet Springs Church Pastor Jessie Mims send our sincere condolences our prayers are with you .
You have our condolences.
Sending love and heartfelt condolences to the family. I cherish the memories and time I spent with Iris and will always remember her kindness, thoughtfulness and sweet spirit through out the years. We loved her so much. Thank God for her life and time she shared with all of us. Darenda Mason and The Women of Light Ministry of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC
My deepest condolences to Joan Benton & La Shanda and the entire family in the loss of Iris. Lord I ask that you strengthen them in this most difficult time. Knowing this family for over 40 years is to have loved them. One can only image how difficult this is in the passing of Iris.Just know I am here for you and will keep you all in my prayers. Lord cover them and know that he is with you. This may of caught use by surprise, but not our Lord and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!ππβ€π Valerie Roundtree & my entire family!
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Joan and the entire family. May God strengthen and comfort you during this time and the days to come. Cousin Annie and Felton Gainey
Montena & Ruth Terrell
To Joan Benton, the Atwater family with its many branches, I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray God's, grace, peace and comfort sustain you in your bereavement. Mamie Mckoy Richardson
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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