Margie Lee Benfield Carswell

Margie Lee Benfield Carswell, 69, of US 70 West in Glen Alpine died Friday, August 21, 2009 at her residence following a lengthy illness. She was born May 7, 1940 in Burke County, and was the daughter of the late Edward Benfield and Edna Lee Stamey Short. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a nephew,Dean Benfield. Margie was a member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church and loved her minister, Leonard Lindsey. She worked for 20 years at Morganton Hosiery Mill, and then retired from Western Carolina Center with over 20 years of service. Margie loved the residents at the center, and occasionally took a resident home for a visit. While working at the center, Margie went back to school, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She enjoyed cooking for people, and canning fruits and vegetables. Margie was devoted to her family especially her three little girls.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Calvin A. Carswell and "Tiny" (their dog) of the home.They were married on August 21, 1955. She is also survived by daughters, Susan Fox and Wayne Shores, Barbara Rhodes and Gerald Hoglen, all of Morganton, and Debbie Miller, and husband, Dallas of the Lake James community; grandchildren, Philip Leonard, Jr. and wife, Christie, Alisha Duckworth and husband, Josh, Hannah Rhodes, Eric Fox, Calvin Rhodes, and Jennifer Miller; one great-grandchild, Caden Kestner Rhodes; brothers, Eddie Benfield and wife, Janice of Lenoir, and Ken Benfield and wife, Judy of Glen Alpine; her aunt, Shirley Whisnant whom Margie loved like a sister; nieces and nephews, Eddie Benfield, Steve Benfield, John Vance, Jr., Sandy Tallent, and Lora Cheubront; and a devoted life-long friend, Evelyn Keller.The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of College Pines Nursing Home for their special care over the past three months. Special thanks also to the staff at Blue Ridge Heath Care and Burke County EMS.Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 24, 2009 at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church with the Reverends Leonard Lindsey and Donnie Dingess officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, PO Box 331, Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.