Anice Benton

Anice Joye Williamson Benton, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in the Long-Term Care Unit at Fayette Medical Center.

Mrs. Benton was born and raised in Fayette, AL. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Benton brought joy, laughter, and love into any room she entered, always making others feel seen and loved. After graduating from Livingston Teaching College and later the University of Alabama, she devoted 37 years to teaching. It was her passion and calling. Mrs. Benton taught in Cleveland, OH; Leesburg, FL; and Fayette, AL, where she spent the majority of her career. In 1993, Mrs. Benton was named Fayette County Teacher of the Year; it was an honor she cherished and by which she was humbled. 

Mrs. Benton was a lifelong learner. In addition to cooking, she enjoyed gardening, gospel music, photography, sewing, and games of all kinds—she was a fierce competitor. Mrs. Benton was a dedicated church member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. In retirement, she began quilting. Over the years, she made and gave away many quilts to family, special friends, and her church family. 

Mrs. Benton is survived by her daughters: LeeAnna Benton Mills (Bobby) of Fayette, AL and Charlotte Benton Deep (Stephen) of Slidell, LA; her grandchildren, Haley Mills Reardon (Sean), Adam Mills (Melanie) of Atlanta, GA, Shannon Deep Connolly (Troy) of Fernly, NV and Ryan Deep of Slidell, LA; and three great-grandchildren, Audrey Reardon, Henry Mills and Phoebe Mills, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Benton was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Delma Watson Williamson; her husband of 57 years, Charles F. Benton; and her five siblings, Lanier Williamson, Olene W. Cauble (George), Lonnie Williamson (Helen), Katie W. Black (Lewis), and Billy Roy Williamson (Wanda).

Mrs. Benton lived her life fully. She delighted in spreading kindness, generosity, and love to everyone she met, and she will remain in our hearts forever.

Nelson Funeral Home of Fayette and the family will host the visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Macedonia (Gumbud) Baptist Church on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 am. Bro. Dale Mitchell will officiate.

Pallbearers will be: Adam Mills, Ryan Deep, Nick Madison, Joe Roberts, Larry Lormand, and Tim Estes..

Honorary pallbearers: Caregivers at Morningside Assisted Living and Fayette Long Term Care.

Donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, WWW.ALZFDN.ORG, 322 8th Avenue 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001  or Fayette Christian Center of Concern.
 

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