Letha Elizabeth Whisnant "Nanny" Benfield

Mrs. Letha Elizabeth Whisnant "Nanny" Benfield, 86, of Morganton went to her heavenly home, Thursday, July 26, 2012. She was born August 21, 1925 to the late Lloyd and Ellie Smith Whisnant. A devout and godly woman, Letha was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She was a wonderful lady who liked everyone she met, and welcomed them with open arms to her home. Letha also loved and cared for many children.Letha is survived by a daughter, Ann Peeler and husband, Don, of Morganton; granddaughters, Donna Peeler and Angie Ledford and husband, Rod, all of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Ben, Joe, and Luke Ledford; sisters, Muriel W. Smith of Sylva, NC, Faye W. McCoy, and Vernie W. Chapman and husband, Don, all of Morganton; special nephews, Tracy and Ty Chapman; many other nieces and nephews; and her four legged canine friend, Dumpling, who will greatly miss Letha.In addition to her parents, Letha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, John Reid "Bud" Benfield; brothers, Carl, Ray, Ned, Howard, Max, Owen, and Charles "Sonny" Whisnant; and sisters, Ruth W. Beck, Louise W. Dale, and Doris W. Allman.A celebration of Letha’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. April Abernethy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church M.P.A.C. Building Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.