Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:02 am

NASHVILLE - Elsie Mae Benson, 95, passed away July 20, 2008. She was born May 31, 1913 in Castalia, NC daughter of the late A.A. Drake and Claire Christine Collins. She grew up in Spring Hope, NC where she attended Spring Hope School and graduated with honors as valedictorian of her senior class. She graduated from East Carolina College and Atlantic Christian College. Mrs. Benson was a retired teacher of 30 years in Nashville, NC. She was a member of Nashville United Methodist Church and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. A charter member of the Modern Study Club, she was an avid reader and traveled extensively. Elsie Mae was married to the late Julian L. Baker and Allen Benson. Her sister Elizabeth Thomas and nephew, Colonel Larry H. Hinton preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Mildred Hinton; brother, Gus Drake and wife Dewsy; and many nieces and nephews including, Jeffrey Drake Hinton, Louise W. Hinton, Dawn McQuillen, Denise Kurp and husband Gary, Ann Buttlar and husband Steve, Fay Babcock, Kay Thomas, Claire Thomas, and Pat Thomas. Elsie Mae leaves to cherish her memory special friends, Lewis and Bobbi Smith and their children Allison and Samuel as well as special care giver, Linda Deal. A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Johnson Chapel of Nashville with Reverend Wayne Hicks officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Benson requests memorials be made to United Methodist Church, 209 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856 or to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Chapel of Nashville, 226 South Barnes Street, Nashville, NC 27856. Online condolences can be made at www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com