Anna Edna Benson

A private memorial service celebrating Anna’s life will be held at her niece’s home in Raleigh.

Anna was born on June 10, 1932, in Red Springs, North Carolina, daughter of the late Reverend Burrell Duke Critcher and Martha Cotten Crawford Critcher of Williamston, North Carolina. As a daughter of a Methodist Minister, Anna had the special opportunity of living in several small North Carolina towns where she formed many lifelong friendships and grew in her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She attended East Carolina Teachers College (now ECU). She worked as a Director of Christian Education at (Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church in Greenville and at Johnson Cotton Company in Dunn before moving to Wilmington.

Anna was the youngest of the three sisters and did not marry until age 35. Anna or “Nana” as she was called by her nieces and nephews, was the adult who was always a kid at heart. As the big “kid,” she was quick to laugh, tickle and pull pranks on anyone within her reach much to the delight of all the little kids in the family.

After her move to Wilmington, Anna met James H. (Jimmy) Benson, at a church event. Anna and Jimboo, as he was affectionately called, began dating and soon fell in love. Anna married Jimmy, the love of her life, Dec. 2, 1967. Their 51-year marriage was marked with joyful service and ministry outreach within their community. Leading praise and worship over the years at Seagate Community Chapel together was such a joy for them.

Anna, along with her sister, Cotty, worked tirelessly with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Wilmington each serving multiple terms as president, vice-president, as well as other committee chairs over the years. Anna exemplified the concept of pouring out herself in Christian service to others and her family.

Anna is survived by her sister, Cotty Potter of Raleigh, nieces, Edna Sexton of Raleigh, Martha-Duke Ormond (Herb) of Greenville, Martha Potter of Raleigh, nephews, Bryan Sexton (Pattie) of Goldsboro, Stan Potter (Carol) of Wake Forest, stepdaughters, Angela Roberts of Kannapolis and Roxanne Smith of Charlotte, stepson, Kent Benson (Sue) of Charlotte as well as many beloved great nieces, great nephews, their spouses and children.

Having no children of her own, Anna had a special relationship with her first great nephew, Felt Hairr (Janice), the firstborn of Anna’s oldest niece, Edna. Anna was Felt’s primary caregiver for the first few years of his life so Edna could complete her college education. This time spent together created a special, life-long bond between the pair.

Anna’s niece, Martha Potter, had the joy and privilege of providing a home and loving care for both her mother, Cotty, and aunt, Anna, for the last 2 years. The entire family is so grateful to Martha for the excellent care and love she gave to Nana!

Anna’s family would like to thank the loving staff of Transitions Lifecare for the excellent care they provided to her since January 2021.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Benson, sister, Rosamond Critcher Sexton, and brother-in-law, Kenneth B Sexton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Salvation Army, or charity of your choice.