Creola Benton

May 14, 1932 - March 31, 2022

Mrs Creola Gardner-Benton 89, of Hamden CT gained her wings on March 31, 2022. She was born on May 13, 1932 in Darlington, South Carolina to the late Jasper Gardner and Rosa Lee Berry- Gardner. Creola was married to her lifelong friend and the love of her life Willie Benton Jr. on May 20,1950. In this Union they had 17 children, 11 boys and 6 girls. While living in Darlington, South Carolina, she received her education from Kings Elementary School. During her many years in Connecticut she then received her GED from Adult Education in New Haven, CT in 1985. Creola worked at the Hannah Gray Home and the Arden House Nursing Facility were she later retired from in 1995. After retiring she still made time to take on Private Duty Cases. Creola Benton was an Active, dedicated, and faithful member of the First Church Of God under the leadership of Late Rev. Cecil Wilshire, Pastor Wallace Hazard, and the Late Napoleon Cummings located in New Haven, CT for over 50 plus years. She served as Deaconess, Pres. of the Trustee Board, the Usher Board, Senior choir, Van driver, Sunday School Teacher and the WCG (Woman of Church of God). In 2008, she relocated back to Darlington, South Carolina where she became a member of Cherry Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend E.B Burroughs. In 2019, she relocated back to Connecticut upon the passing of her late husband Willie Benton Jr., she was a member of God's Miracles Unlimited Outreach Ministries in Hamden,CT under the leadership of Dr. Howard Joyner, Bishop and Reverend Dr. Peggy Joyner. Creola to some was called Moms, Grandma, GG, Cre Cre, Mama B, and Push out LOL. She was a God Fearing woman who loved the Lord with all her Heart, soul,and mind and loved working in God's kingdom. She was Faithful and SOLD OUT for Christ and a TRUE SOLDIER in God's Army. She was a loving friend, caring, full of life, funny and an amazing Mother who worked hard and raised her children and grands in the fear of God. She lived by Proverbs 22:6, Train Up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old, HE will NOT Depart from it. She Loved cooking, walking, singing hymns and doing crossword puzzles. Her greatest Hobby was Gardening, she could take a weeded area and turn it into the most Beautiful bed of Flowers, everyone who knew her knew she had a Green thumb when it came to gardening. Creola was a big big fan of the Uconn Girls Basketball Team. She also loved watching Wheel of Fortune and Jimmy Swaggart Gospel Channel. Creola leaves to Continue her Legacy, 8 sons Robert Benton (Ada), Horace Benton, Richard and David Benton all of Darlington, South Carolina. John,and Micheal Benton of New Haven, CT, James Benton of Meriden, CT. Mark Benton of Hartford, CT. 5 Daughters, Particia Benton, Felicia Benton- Mccoy (Theodore) of New Haven, CT, Myra Benton of Hamden, CT Dr.Sharlene Perry (William) and Anita Benton of West Haven, CT. 48 Grandchildren, 51 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great grandchildren and 2 on the way. 1 Goddaughter Kenja Arnold. 3 sisters Addie Gibson of hamden, CT Josie Lee Townsend of Darlington South Carolina, Bessie Gilbert (Bobby) of New Haven, CT and 1 brother Sylvester (Lillian) of New Haven, CT. 2 sister in laws Dorothy Jacob of Darlington,SC and Lillian Gardner, 2 Brother in laws Joel Benton of Queens,NY, and Bobby Gilbert. 2 Son in laws William Perry, Theodore Mccoy. Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many many friends. Creola was predeceased by her Loving husband of 69 years Willie Benton Jr., Sons George, Joel, Charles and daughter Marnita, sisters Joann Campbell, Margaret Trayham, and Vivan Rodriquez and brothers Robert Gardner, Armistir Gardner, Roland Gardner