Elizabeth "Betty" Simon Benton

Elizabeth “Betty” Simon Benton, 91, died in Biloxi surrounded by family on Sunday, Sept.23, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Katherine Simon and seven siblings: Joe, Adele, Mary Rose, Sie, Evelyn, George, and Charlie. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard “Dick” Benton, five children: Theresa Fuller (Joey), Richard Benton, Jr (Kay), Susan Carrafiello (Michael), Annette Benton, and Catherine Chavez (Miguel), seven grandchildren: Josh Fuller, Katie Berry, Charlie Benton, Joseph and Luke Carrafiello, Elizabeth and Miguel Chavez, three great grandchildren: Colton Fuller, Avery and Tillie Berry, and one sister, Alice Neal. Betty was born in Biloxi on Dec. 3, 1926 and grew up on Fayard Street, helping with the family businesses and attending daily Mass at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, she spent some time in discernment at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in St. Louis, Missouri before deciding her vocation was in the laity. Later, she met the love of her life, Dick Benton, a young airman from Virginia serving as an instructor at Keesler Air Force Base. The pair began dating and wed at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral on Dec. 3, 1954. The pair moved to Starkville, where Dick completed degrees at Mississippi State University. From there, they moved briefly to Virginia before going to Oxford, where Dick served on the faculty at Ole Miss. They then moved to Biloxi before settling in Starkville with Dick on the MSU faculty and where the couple raised their children through high school and college. While living in Starkville, Betty was heavily involved in many ministries of St. Joseph Catholic Church. The ministry closest to her heart was feeding the Catholic students of the MSU Newman Club. She also served in Altar Care and cooked for the St, Joseph Dinner. One year, the redfish she served was so delectable that nothing was left on the platter but a bare and comical fish skeleton. Her culinary skills were legendary. In 1998, she and Dick returned to Biloxi. Betty enjoyed her family most, taking great joy in visits from her children and grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed the Christmas season, when the entire clan was once again together under one roof. She also enjoyed periodic visits from her Starkville friends. In addition to her human family and friends, Betty also served as a mother to several animals over the years, including most recently a miniature poodle named Maizie. Other interests included crossword puzzles, reading, playing cards and cooking shows. Betty was a child of Lebanese immigrants and was proud of this heritage, often sharing her culture through her kitchen. The family is grateful for the 13 years of tender, loving care provided to Betty by Fresenius Kidney Care in Biloxi. Memorials may be made to the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, 3000 Old Canton Rd., #100, Jackson, MS 39216. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11am at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends may visit 10-11am. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, MS at 2pm on Monday, October 1, 2018. Interment will follow.