Barbara E. Benson

Barbara Elizabeth Williamson Benson, 76, passed peacefully on March 2, 2024, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She was born on November 3, 1947, to the late Stanley B. and Nellie (Garber) Williamson. She lived her entire life in Hampton, VA, until moving to Williamsburg in 2017. Barbara is survived by the love of her life and husband of 56 years, William Hunter Benson, Jr.; two wonderful daughters whom she adored, Michele Elizabeth Benson (Harry K. Howell) and Nicole Diane Benson; her brother-in-law, David L. Benson (Bobbie W. Benson); sister-in-law, Deborah Benson; three nephews, and two nieces. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Shirley Williamson Wunder (Melvin A.), brother, Donald Edward Williamson, nephew, Michael A. Wunder, in-laws, William H. and Marjorie S. Benson, and brother-in-law, Frank R. Benson.

Barbara graduated from Hampton High School, Class of 1966 and attended Old Dominion and Christopher Newport Universities. She worked as a Civil Servant for the U.S. Army/NASA. In December 1986, she left her Civil Service career and began working for Analytical Services & Materials, Inc., where she retired in December 2012 as the Human Resources Director. She was a member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church where she served on the Administration Ministry, two Search Committees, the Communion Committee, and as a greeter and substitute counter. She loved gardening, traveling (especially in Europe), fine dining, and her dog, Mandy.

Barbara will be most remembered for her strong faith and thoughtfulness. Those who shared her life know she was a gifted writer and gracious listener. She always sent the perfect note or gift to support her friends and family. She was kind to everyone, generous, and just plain fun to be around.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 8 at 11 a.m. at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at the Hampton Yacht Club. Scattering of her ashes will be at a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Angela DeRidder and her wonderful staff at Riverside Cancer Infusion Center, Williamsburg, for their care during this journey. In lieu of flowers, Barbara requests that memorial donations be made to the Endowment Fund at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton.