Annie Lou Adams Benson,

Annie Lou Adams Benson, 89, passed away peacefully in Helena on October 17, 2019. She was a beloved wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many in the Arkansas area. She was born on March 17, 1930 in Hampton where she graduated from high school in 1948. She soon married Arvil T Benson and they made their home there until 1960 when they moved to Helena, AR. Both were active in their community including decades of organizing Boys and Girls State of Arkansas and served as officers in the American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary. Annie Lou, being a cancer survivor, was also a big supporter of Relay for Life. She was a lifelong active member of the Methodist church, first in the Faustina Methodist and then the Helena United Methodist Church.

Annie Lou was energetic, compassionate and willing to help anyone and any animal in need. She was loved by the neighborhood kids who still came to visit her years after they had moved from Helena, including Todd Slaughter and David Abrams. She also supported several young people in the community going to college. She did all these things while working as an administrative assistant for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services where she retired in 1995.

She is survived by two daughters, Theresa and Dan Gentry of Oklahoma City and Deborah Benson and Bob Heberly of Burbank, CA. A grandson, Clark Deal of Oklahoma City, a dear brother and sisterin-law, Edward and Gaye Adams, and sister Emma Jean Martin of Rosston. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her husband and parents.

Graveside services will be 10:00 am Monday October 21,2019 at Dunn Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Hampton/ Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.