Sandra Gail Howard Benson, beloved mother to her children and “Nanny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026. A devout follower of Christ, she was joyfully received in her heavenly home by her adoring husband, Johnny Benson. She truly cherished their 39 years of marriage and missed him dearly in the years since his departure.

Sandra was born at home on April 6th, 1946 in Harnett County, NC to the late Mary Jane Sloan and James Wilson Howard. She grew up on a tenant farm and while her family may have lacked financially, they had an abundance of love and shared great memories together. A middle child in a large family, she was an independent spirit and a treasured confidant to all. She worked alongside her siblings in the fields, took care of their home, and tended to her younger brothers and sister. These experiences in her youth established a strong work ethic, a nurturing spirit, and a love for her tight-knit community. Sandra had a deep-rooted belief that loving and ministering to her family was her most important calling.

She was a talented seamstress and spent her professional life in the textile manufacturing industry. Over her 30+ year career, she was a great leader and trained countless people in her management roles at Angus Fire Armor and Terry Hill. She was esteemed by her colleagues for her expertise, integrity, and benevolence.

She was a member of Benson Grove Baptist Church. She loved to worship and do for others with the Ladies Circle group. Before her health began to fail her, Sandra always sent a covered dish to anyone in need. She embodied a Christlike spirit and truly mourned with those that mourn. Until her death, she contributed charitably to the causes she held dear.

She was known throughout her family and community for her great fortitude, the strength of mind that allowed her to endure pain and adversity with courage. She was a true purveyor of optimism and frequently reminded her family, “Out of every bad comes some good.” After her treasured mother passed away in 1984, she was the matriarch of her siblings and their families. “San”, as she was known to her brothers and sisters, was always available for a call or a visit to discuss the joys and challenges they faced. She was opinionated, assertive, and open about her values and experiences. She had acquired a great deal of wisdom and spent untold hours counseling with her extended family and friends.

She loved her grandchildren and cherished being their Nanny. When she was able, she traveled thousands of miles to support them at baseball games, piano recitals, and everything in between.

She is survived by her adoring children; Lisa Sorrell Campbell (Larry), James Randall “Randy” Sorrell (Wendy), Jodie Elizabeth Tyndall (Johnnie), John Eric Benson, and Thomas Shane Benson (Tanya). Grandchildren; Kevin Campbell, Michael Campbell, Chase Sorrell, Kessler Sorrell, Colby Sorrell, Gavin Tyndall, MaryBeth Tyndall, Johnna Tyndall Brooks, Thomas Benson, , Shaelee Benson, Braxton Ennis, and ten great-grandchildren. Sisters; Janet Howard and Kay Kearney (Alan). Brothers; Tony Howard (Bonnie) and Stevie Howard; and many, many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Mary Sloan and James Wilson Howard, Husband John Douglas “Johnny” Benson, Siblings; Imogene Goad, Barbara and Bill Fore, Curtis Howard, and Edward Howard, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held on Friday, November 6th, from 6-8pm at Rose and Graham Funeral home in Benson. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, November 7th, at 11am at Benson Grove Baptist Church after which she will be laid to rest beside her precious one at Roselawn Cemetery.