Shirley Benton Obituary

Shirley Brooks Benton

August 11, 1933 -

September 12, 2024

Shirley Brooks Benton, born Shirley Faye Benton, on August 11, 1933, in Kingsport, TN, died peacefully in Charlottesville, her home for the last 25 years, on September 12, 2024. Ms. Benton grew up in Gate City, VA and changed her name to honor her grandmother, Julia Melissa Elliott Brooks. She is survived by her sister, Joy Benton Shipley of Weber City, VA. Ms. Benton was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Brooks Greear, father, Edgar Swanson Benton, and brother, Ralph Maynard Benton. Ms. Benton was president of her senior class and graduated from Midway High School in Scott County, VA and The Whitney School of Business before moving to Washington DC in 1951 to join the FBI. After living in NJ, MI, PA, KY, and NY, Ms. Benton returned to VA to raise her children in the Shenandoah Valley. She is survived by her 5 children: Michelle Davis, Robin Cubbage, Richard Davis, Melissa (Scott) Hinchman & Kimberly (Si) Riffle. She also has 10 grandchildren & 15 great-grandchildren. While Ms. Benton always put her children first, she was also a proud feminist and marched in Washington DC for the ERA. She built her retirement home in Charlottesville and spent her senior years gardening and caretaking her home, one of her many passions. She will be dearly missed. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Charlottesville in the Summer of 2025.