Mary Suttles "Granny" Benfield

Mary Suttles "Granny" Benfield, 89, of Scott Rd. in Morganton died Monday, January 26, 2009 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born October 9, 1919 in Madison County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Thomas A. Suttles and Sara Ann Gregory Suttles. Mary was a member of McDowell Church. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.Mary is survived by a daughter, Barbara Taylor of Morganton; a son, Jim Benfield and wife, Doris, of Morganton; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Wilma Godfrey of Morganton.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Benfield; a daughter, Myra Cook; two great-grandchildren, Edward William Branch and Roger Branch; and two sisters and four brothers.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2009 at McDowell Church with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.