Obituary of Shirley Benfield

On Feb 10, 2021, Shirley Benfield, 87, of Columbia, died peacefully at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. The daughter of John and Nancy Thraves, she was born in Kirksandall, Doncaster, S. Yorkshire, England. After public school, she enjoyed her time as a ballroom dance instructor. In 1953 she met and married U.S. Serviceman, Archie Benfield. They were stationed throughout Europe and the United States. She immigrated to the U.S. with her husband and obtained her U.S. Citizenship in 1957. After his military retirement they settled in Columbia, where they remained and were happily married for 49 years. As an Air Force wife, she worked at numerous Base Exchanges and retired in 1989 from Fort Jackson Main Post Exchange. She attended Mill Creek United Methodist Church, where she served with the Shepherds Group and enjoyed greeting at the annual Bazaar.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Nicks; granddaughters, Andie Nicks and Lilly (Slayton) Johnson; sister-in-law, Fran (Larry) Powell; nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Tsgt (USAF Ret) Preston Archie Benfield; sister, Betty Oliver; and faithful cat, Chips.

A special thank you goes out to Dr. Rachelle Gajadhar, her nurse, Heather Greene, and the staff at PHR Senior Primary Care who have cared for all of us on this long journey, as well as her kind, loving sitter, Anita Easterly.

Out of concern for the health of others, there will be a private service.