MRS. PATRICIA "GAYLE" BENEFIELD

Mrs. Patricia "Gayle” Benefield (née Skinner) passed away in Meridian, Mississippi on December 7, 2020 at the age of 73. No visitation or memorial is being held due to COVID-19. Gayle is survived by her beloved husband Jimmy Benefield; her son Scott Benefield of Lauderdale, Mississippi and her daughter Nicky Benefield Smith of Alexandria, Virginia; her grandchildren Brenna Coogan, Erin Coogan, and Mollie Coogan of Alexandria, Virginia, Brittany Benefield Godwin of Meridian, and Kennzie and Ethan Norton of Texas; her great grandchildren Maverick and Ford Godwin of Meridian, Mississippi; her sister Barbara Skinner Irwin of Winterhaven, Florida; her daughter-in-law Amy Norton Benefield, son-in-law Steven Smith, grandson-in-law Judd Godwin, and brother-in-law Walt Irwin. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Calvin “Gene” Skinner and Myrtle Pogue Skinner of Meridian, Mississippi; and her sister Donna Skinner of Meridian, Mississippi. Gayle was born on March 17, 1947 in Meridian, Mississippi to Gene and Myrtle Skinner. She graduated from Clarkdale High School in 1965. She married Jimmy Benefield on April 7, 1969. After several years, they welcomed Scott and Nicky into their home. Gayle worked as an Inspector for Vanity Fair Lingerie and as a homemaker. Her family will remember her as witty and warmhearted. Last year, Gayle and Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Those around Gayle would describe her as lively and clever. She was very chatty and enjoyed talking to her friends, grandkids, and caregivers about anything and everything that crossed her mind. She loved talking with her grandchildren about the latest trends and visiting thrift shops. Gayle was a devoted mother and grandmother. When her daughter Nicky had twins, she spent several months in Florida helping her with them. Despite living far away from some of her grandchildren, she made sure to check in with them and ask about their lives. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Weems Community Mental Health Center in memory of Gayle Benefield. To make a donation, call 601-483-4821 (ext: 125) or send a check to P.O. Box 2868 Meridian, Mississippi 39302. Weems mission is to provide a full range of professional, appropriate mental health and substance abuse services to all residents of Region Ten of the Mississippi Mental Health System and to educate the public about mental health and substance abuse issues and treatment, thereby enhancing the well-being of individuals and the overall health of the region. The family would like to thank her caregivers Shana Clayton and Cynthia “Kissie” Townsend; her doctors at Anderson Regional Medical Center; her hospice nurses; her home health nurses; the staff at Weems Community Mental Health Center; and the staff at Diversicare in Meridian, Mississippi for treating her like family.

MRS. PATRICIA "GAYLE" BENEFIELD

March 17, 1947 - December 7, 2020