Elsie Marie Conner Benfield

December 6, 1938 ~ September 11, 2024
Born in:
Henderson Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Elsie Marie Conner Benfield who departed this life on September 11, 2024, at the age of 85. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, she leaves behind her devoted husband of 67 years, Benny Jack Benfield, their son, Doug Benfield, their daughter, Sheila Marie Benfield Banks, her six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and her brother, Charles Conner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Conner and Tina Marlowe Conner.
Elsie devoted over 30 years to Buncombe County Schools, serving as bookkeeper with unwavering dedication and compassion at A.C. Reynolds High School. Her commitment and her nurturing spirit touched countless lives, reflecting her deep love for her community. A steadfast member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church for more than three decades, she shared the light and love of Jesus through her vibrant presence and care, always bringing joy and laughter wherever she went.
She embodied kindness, beauty, and grace in every facet of her life, enriching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her legacy of warmth and generosity will continue to inspire us all.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate her beautiful life will be held at Beverly Hills Baptist Church on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with Dr. Billy King officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her radiant spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support the ministry and outreach of Beverly Hills Baptist Church.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Memorial Service: September 14, 2024 2:00 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)298-4623
Visitation: September 14, 2024 1:00 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)298-4623
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I worked with Elsie for many years. How this breaks my heart to see. Beautiful picture of her. I’m so sorry to Jack and her family who she loved tremendously. Her laughter was infectious.
Sandy Smith
So very sorry to hear of Elsie’s passing. She was a dear friend and co-worker for many years. Prayers for the family and friends.
I am very sad to hear this. She was a great person and friend. Jack my prayers are for you and your family to have peace and comfort in knowing she is now in heaven.
Doug,
You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Your mom was a wonderful lady!
Michelle Cordell
What a beautiful smile she graced us with as we navigated through our high school years at Reynolds. She was a blessing to all of us.
My deepest sympathy for each of you. I will always remember Elsie’s beautiful smile and happy personality. I can still see her smiling face at every basketball game Jack coached for my brothers Jack, Robert and me. She will always be part of the “team” and the Oakley family.
We would like to express our sympathy to Jack & family in the death of Elsie. She was always wearing a pretty smile, and although we have been gone from Asheville many years now, we will always remember Elsie and Jack from Gashes Creek Baptist Church, where we all went when we were younger. We know she will be greatly missed by Jack & her family, but also by her church friends, neighbors and other friends she had made. Our prayers will be for all.
She may now reside in Heaven, but her spirit remains with us. May that comfort Jack and her family as they grieve her loss.
Jack, Doug and Sheila, May God wrap His arms of comfort tightly around you. Elsie was such a special person and was a great supporter of Sandra when I was in Vietnam. She will certainly be missed.
Dear Jack Doug and Family,
So very sorry to hear of this great loss.
Elsie was such a beautiful soul. My deepest condolences.
Cricket Haake