Obituary of Vivian A. Benson

Vivian Ardella Benson (nee Copeland) was born December 15, 1924 in Smithville, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late James and Mary Copeland of Mount Holly, New Jersey, her twin, the late Gainyle Othelia, died soon after birth. Vivian was joined in holy matrimony to her beloved husband, Samuel E. Benson, Jr. on February 28, 1941. From this union were born thirteen children, the late Vivian Elva Sheppard, Samuel Benson, III (Audrey), Renee Jefferson, Hope Sadler, the late Shawn Benson, the late Helene Tharpe, Marsha Grant (Danny), Enise Richardson (Hilton), Jacqueline Gipson, Theodore Benson (Diane), Beverly Pinkney (Eugene) and Robin Erickson (John): thirty six grandchildren, fifty great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Eloise Marshall. Vivian was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Cinnaminson, NJ for over fifty-nine years where she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. She served on the Gospel Chorus, Pastor's Aide and with various other church organizations there. She can be remembered for her favorite songs to sing in church service and at other functions in her younger years, "How Great Thou Art" and "If I Can Help Somebody". As a child Vivian attended schools in Masonville (now known as Rancocas Woods), Marlton and Mount Holly, NJ. Vivian worked as a Nurse's Aide at Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital and Cherry Hill Medical Center. She found great satisfaction and pride in her work helping others in this profession and was often commended for her extraordinary care and compassion. She also was a school bus driver for the Burlington County Head Start program. Raising and caring for her twelve children was a task Vivian (Bib) could not take more seriously. Upon her marriage to Sam whom was affectionately known as Pete, her life was dedicated to the uplifting of her family spiritually, morally and educationally. Together "Bib and Pete" created a home for their children filled with love, laughter, respect, appreciation, for the art of music and adventure. Their children could approach them with their aspirations and receive support regardless of how far fetched they may have been. Family events and outings were filled with fun and excitement and continued in that vein for the grand children. Vivian, with very little "me" time, was involved with children. Vivian, with very little "me" time, was involved with church and women's organizations, ceramics, sewing, crocheting, Girl Scouts and Cub scouts all while never missing a beat in the excellent care she provided for her husband, children and grandchildren. She is a fine example for her children and grandchildren leaving a legacy as a wife, mother and friend to be cherished. A Riverton, NJ resident for fifty-four years, Vivian was respected in her community as an honest and responsible neighbor and citizen. The neighborhood children would often visit her as adults to share with her their fond memories of visiting her home with its aura of love and her homemade delicious meals to include her famous bean soup and biscuits. Vivian also cared for several foster children and relatives while raising her biological children. Vivian was a dignified woman in every way as she always held her head high even through sickness and heartache. She will be remembered for her character, love of family and strong will and determination. The passing of Mom, Mommy, Grand Mom, Bib, Aunt Bibby and Viv, as she is known to her family and friends while leaving an almost unbearable void in our minds and hearts, gives us peace in knowing that God is real and He areas for us, our spirit and our souls by having blessed us with her life and legacy.