Marian Marie Benton Dawson

Published 9:22 am Wednesday, January 11, 2012

FRANKLIN—Marian Marie Benton Dawson, 64, quietly and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Va.

She was born to the late Johnnie J. and Virgie M. Benton. One daughter, Sonja Michele Dawson preceded her in death.

Marian accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of White Oaks Spring Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully attended until her health declined.

She was educated in Southampton County, graduating from Riverview High School and did further studies and training through the Virginia Tech Extension Program.

After completion of the program, she worked for six years as an extension agent for Southampton County. She was then employed at Planters Peanut Co. as a coordinator in quality control.

She is survived by a loving and caring husband of 45 years, Thomas R. Dawson; one son, Thomas Dawson (Angie) of Hampton, Va.; one granddaughter, Sallie Michele Dawson; four sisters, Vernell Patillo of Portsmouth, Va., Brenda Saunders (Omie) of Capron, Va., Edith Benton of Oxon Hill, Md., and Deborah Benton of Norfolk, Va.; three brothers, Johnnie Benton Jr. of Franklin, Va., Jessie Benton (Norma) of Windsor, Va., and Duncan Benton of Franklin, Va.; a mother-in-law, Beatrice Dawson of Boykins, Virginia; three brothers-in-law, Jessie Dawson (Carrie) of Franklin, Va., Harold Dawson of Boykins, Va., and Graylin Dawson of Durham, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Annie Ruth Dawson of Boykins, Va.; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Marian’s life will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the White Oaks Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Franklin, Va., with Rev. Thomas Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Southview Cemetery, Franklin, Va.

Faison’s Funeral Home at 301 Park St., Seaboard, N.C., is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be registered at www.faisonsfh.embarqspace.com.