Shirley L. Womack-Benton
Shirley Lucille Womack-Benton was born June 25, 1943, to Elsie Hatcher-Johnson and George Johnson in Riverhead, N.Y. She was blessed to be nurtured throughout her life by Mary Turpin. She was a happy child. Shirley received her formal education in the Riverhead school system and proudly graduated from Riverhead High School.
Shirley married Henry B. Womack Sr. on Nov. 4, 1961, and to this union four children were born: Patricia, Henry Jr., Troy and Kevin Sr. After the loss of her beloved husband, she found love again and married Timothy Benton on June 23, 2016.
Shirley worked as a day care provider so she could care for her own children. She continued her career with children and was employed by Southampton Head Start and Riverhead School District. Shirley faithfully worked and lovingly served as a direct care worker for 27 years at Aid to the Developmentally Disabled (Northville House) in Riverhead.
One of her greatest joys was traveling. Shirley enjoyed playing spades, penny slot machines and bingo. She will be remembered for her flair of fashion, her expertise in solving crossword puzzles and watching “The Price is Right.” The highlight of her life was to prepare meals so family and friends could share laughter, fun and good conversation.
Shirley was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church of Riverhead, where she served on the usher board. Later in life she continued her relationship with God and worshiped at various churches.
On Saturday, July 2, 2022, angels entered Tucker Nursing Home Facility in Kannapolis, N.C., and Shirley Womack-Benton was released from earth’s journey. Her soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of eternal rest.
Shirley was a strong woman; her faith enabled her to endure the loss of so many family members. She was predeceased by both husbands; two brothers, Hollis and Fred Johnson; and five sisters, Julia Lockhart, Mary Ford, Frances Nash, Elsie Jackson and Sallie Johnson. Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Patricia, of Riverhead; three sons, Henry Jr. of Arizona, Troy (Pennie), of Concord, N.C., and Kevin (Evelyn), of Riverhead; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one dear sister, Catherine Miles (Charles Sr.); stepchildren Cindy Riddick, Shenille Robinson and Chavis Eason (Al); godchildren Bridget Gilbert and Danisha Nash; her best friend, Dorothy aka “Boots” Exum; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family received visitors July 8 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead and July 9 at First Baptist Church in Riverhead, where a funeral service took place. Burial followed at Riverhead Cemetery.
This is a paid notice.
