Shelby Benson

Shelby Benson, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 5 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories. Born on May 21, 1939, to the late Akers and Alma Hankins, Shelby lived a full and meaningful life devoted to her family, her passions, and her community.

Shelby found great joy in tending to her flowers and garden, where she spent countless hours nurturing beauty from the earth. She was also an avid traveler and, alongside her beloved late husband Willie, proudly visited 48 states, creating a lifetime of treasured adventures together. During her working years, Shelby was dedicated to her role at Sue-Lynn Textiles in Haw River, where she took great pride in her work and formed lasting friendships.

She is survived by her loving children: Joanie Robinson (Mike), Terry Benson (Tina), and Tim Benson (Machell); 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and her twin brother, Eugene Hankins. Her family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and devotion that will continue through generations.

In addition to her parents and her husband Willie, Shelby was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold Hankins, Junior Hankins, Wesley Hankins, and RayDell Hankins; her son, Harold Benson and her granddaughter Tiffany Benson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 10:30am – 12:00pm at McClure Funeral Service in Mebane. A funeral service will follow at 12pm in the McClure Funeral Chapel in Mebane, officiated by Pastor Darrell Moser. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Mebane.