Eria Irene Benton Benson, 88, of Athens, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Jacob Lee and Ella Gregory Benton, and was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest William Benson, on Feb. 24, 1968; one grandson, Randy Taylor; and several brothers and sisters. She was a member of Clear Springs Baptist Church.

Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Louise Taylor of Knoxville, Ozella and Dr. Jimmy McCarter of Athens, Dorthey and Dr. Larry Norwood of Athens, and Ernestine and Bill Hicks of Niota; five grandchildren and spouses, Hal and Sherry Taylor of New Market, Jody and Tammy Taylor of Jefferson City, Kay and Charles Phillips of Ocilla, Ga., Jamie and Dickie Slack of Athens, and Anthony and Tonya McCarter of Maryville; and 10 great-grandchildren, Chase Phillips, Scott Phillips, and Austin Phillips, all of Ocilla, Ga., Ben Taylor and Alyse Taylor, both of New Market, Courtlyn Taylor and Ryleigh Anne Taylor, both of Jefferson City, Kara Slack and Kendra Slack, both of Athens, and Makayla McCarter of Maryville.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Dr. Jimmy McCarter officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Upper Spring Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com