Fredda Nell Benton's Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Fredda Nell Benton.
Fredda was born on September 21, 1930, in Dyer, Tennessee, to Henry and Sadie Williams. She later moved to Memphis, where she studied nursing at what is now the University of Memphis before beginning work in the medical field.
She married Willard Franklin “Spud” Benton and devoted herself to raising her family, welcoming sons Tim and David Benton. She also endured the loss of infant son Keith Benton, who died during childbirth.
Fredda was a faithful and devoted member of the church throughout her life, including Cumberland Methodist Church in Humboldt, Grimes Methodist Church, and later Mullins Methodist Church.
In 2014, she received the Grimes Methodist “Unsung Hero” Award in recognition of her quiet and selfless service to others.
Her care for people extended far beyond the walls of her church. Fredda and Willard Benton were among the early volunteers with the newly formed MIFA program in 1968. Fredda delivered food to those in need through the Meals on Wheels initiative for much of the 1970's.
Fredda also volunteered with Baptist Hospice for nearly 30 years, sitting with patients so families could rest and helping coordinate supplies and support for those receiving hospice care. Even after she was no longer able to drive, she continued making weekly calls to check on patients and assist families however she could.
Fredda rarely sat still for long. If she was not sewing garments, quilting, or making masks during COVID, she was likely fixing someone a plate of food. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, famous among her grandchildren for birthday chocolate cakes, fried chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn.
She never met a stranger and welcomed people with the same warmth whether she had known them for five minutes or fifty years.
Even as her memories and physical strength faded, Fredda never lost her warmth or her desire to care for others. She remained a joy to those around her and leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.
Fredda lived for 95 years and saw the world change in ways most of us can hardly imagine. She left a deep footprint on this family, and us Bentons will carry her love, lessons, and memories with us always.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor at MIFA:
https://www.mifa.org/donatenow (select “This gift is in honor, memory, or support of someone)“
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday May 28th, 2026
Visitation: 1pm-2pm
Service: 2-3pm
Refreshments to follow.
Memphis Memorial Park
5668 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119
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