Obituary of Mary Ann Benson Brown

Columbia--Mary Ann Benson Brown, 78, died Saturday November 9 at Baptist Hospital. She was born in Columbia, SC, December 28, 1934 to Ruth Ann Montgomery Benson and Herbert Lankford Benson Sr. She graduated from Dreher High School and attended the University of Georgia and University of South Carolina. Ms. Brown was an active alumnae with Phi Beta Phi Sorority and was a member of First Baptist Church and the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society. She was active in many school, church and social activities throughout her life. She was an accomplished artist who won numerous awards for her work in watercolor, crafts and shell designs. As owner of Shell Originals, her work was on display at local galleries. Ms. Brown was also known for her many gourmet baked goods and jellies that she featured in craft shows and fairs. She is survived by her four children Ruth Ann Brown Ingham, Beth Brown Meyer (Chris), Eldridge Hutton "Bucky" Brown III (Paige) and Jennie Louise Brown Cooke; seven grandchildren, Beth Allawos Olson (Neil), Mary Katherine Allawos Robinson (Bluejay), Elizabeth Meyer, Annie Meyer, Samantha Brown, Christopher Cooke, William Cooke; and one great grandson, Rocco Olson; and her two brothers Herbert Lankford Benson, Jr. (Barbara) and William Jerry Benson. "Aunt Mary" is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her parents and her brother James Pickens Benson. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 2501 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29205 with Reverend Thom Jones officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of one's choice.