Thelma Rice Benton

Our family and community sadly lost a beloved Matriarch on Sunday, March 20, 2022, when Mrs. Thelma Rice Benton, 96, went to be with the Lord her Savior in Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital surrounded by family. Thelma loved her family deeply. Her love for life, infectious smile and an aura that lit up the room will surely be missed by all that knew and loved her.

She was born on September 17, 1925 in Madison County, GA, the daughter of William H. Rice and Essie Mae Bone Rice. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, John D. Benton; her brothers W. Horace Rice, Eugene (Gene) Rice, Richard Donald Rice; and sister Peggy Autry.

Thelma is survived by her beloved brother-in-law, Jerrel Autry of Nicholson, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephews and great, great, great nieces and nephews and her four legged fur baby Munson who all loved her.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2022 in Bernstein Funeral Home immediately followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel with Mr. Ricky Autry officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bernstein Funeral Home, www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com is in charge of funeral arrangements.