Anna Elizabeth Benson was born to the late Ernest Scott and Lettie James (Byrd) Hanley on September 29, 1931, in Rural Retreat, Virginia. Anna peacefully passed away on January 13, 2023, at the Bickford of West Lansing Assisted Living and Memory Care surrounded by loving family, friends, and staff.

At the age of 18, Anna traveled to Lansing, MI with her cousin Bobby to visit her brother Stuart and was introduced to Hulon Thomas Benson Jr. and was married shortly after on August 28, 1950. Out of this union eight children were born. Anna was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her family. Later, as the children began school, she worked part-time jobs at the Lansing School District Head Start Program and would return home before the children returned from school so no one would know. She loved volunteering her baked cookies and cupcakes for her kids to take to school. She loved all the kids in the neighborhood, and they were always welcomed into the Benson home.

Later, her love and exceptional care of children evidentially led to the start of her in-home day care, but grew so large and fast, it was necessary to move the day care and Ann's Day Care Center was established in June of 1987. Two years later, she changed the name to King's Kids Educational Learning Center to reflect her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In July of 1995, Anna lost the love of her life, Hulon Benson, after 44 years of marriage and at a young age. After his death, Anna retired from the Learning Center and was recognized with awards for being an outstanding businesswoman. She was highly respected and honored in the Community. Anna loved to travel with family and friends. She spent valuable time with her children shopping, getting her hair and nails done and
going out for dinner and to the movies.

Anna was preceded in death by: her husband, Hulon Thomas Benson Jr.; and daughter, Maria Quanzella Benson. She leaves to cherish her memories: her last living sister, Bettye Jo of Maryland; children, Robin Rene, Thomas (Gloria), Roxanne, Jeffrey Scott, Charles Louis (Jannet) and Setetra Lynette Benson all of Lansing, MI; ten grandchildren, Kayta (Cydric), Dion (Brandy), Kelvin (Tiffany), Brandon (Jessica), Lesley, Ashley (Antoine), Chase, Destini, Chuckie and Chelsea; 23 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren who all loved her dearly; a host of nieces and nephews, extended family; special friend, Katie Thomas; and priceless friends. She will be greatly missed.

Arrangements for Mrs. Benson are as follows: