Irene Benson
Irene Kirksey Benson, 92, of 119 West Broadway Street, Athens, WV, died Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Princeton Community Hospital, Princeton, WV.
Born October 31, 1916, in Taylor County, GA, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Beatrice Kirksey. She attended Georgia Southwestern University and was a graduate of the University of Georgia. She did graduate work at the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies.
She too began a long illustrious career in education as an elementary school teacher at Cross Roads School in Taylor County, GA. She subsequently taught in Marion County and Forest Park schools in Georgia before moving to Athens, WV. She retired as a teacher with the Mercer County School System last teaching at Mercer Elementary School in Princeton.
Irene was a dedicated member of the Athens Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher. In 2008 she was named the Athens Senior Citizen of the Year. She took great pride in caring for her husband and son. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Arthur and Irene were married 67 years and are survived by one son, Dr. Arthur Jerry Benson and his wife Dr. Martha K. Ross of Harrisonburg, VA; and two granddaughters, Virginia Soenksen and Amanda Soenksen. Arthur is also survived by one brother, William R. Benson of Roswell, GA. Irene was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
In keeping with their wishes, they have been cremated and a memorial service honoring the lives of Arthur and Irene Benson will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Athens Baptist Church, Athens, WV, with Pastor Charles Drake officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Ramah Church Cemetery in Buena Vista, GA, with Pastors David Chapman and Charles Drake officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur J. and Irene K. Benson Scholarship Fund, Concord University Foundation, P.O. Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712, or Athens Baptist Church, P.O. Box 728, Athens, WV 24712.