Georgia Ellen Benson

Georgia E. Benson passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lawton. She was born on April 16, 1926, to the late Harry E. Hill and Agnes E. (Strebeck) Hill in South Haven. On Aug. 26, 1943, she married H. Leon Benson and they moved to the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area, where they raised three children. Leon passed away in 1968.

She married James Nathan (Nate) Leonard in 1972 and they made their home in Watervliet. Nate passed away in 1987. Georgia then made her home with her daughter, Mari, and her husband, Jay, in Lawrence.

Georgia is survived by her son, Hollis (Cherie) Benson of Decatur; her daughter, Mari (Orville Jay) Hamilton Jr. of Lawrence; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Arlyne Moon of Benton Harbor and Harriette (Raymond) Gumpert of Fennville; brother, John (Kari) Hill of Georgia; and sister-in-law, Viola (Gary) Hill.

Besides her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Randith Ellen Satonin in 1966; sisters, Alice Smith and Lois Sells; brothers, Monard, James and Gary Hill; and special friend, Norma Hansen.

The family will welcome friends 10-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Services will start at 11 a.m., the Rev. Carl Wright officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores.

The family requests memorial donations in Georgia’s name are made to the church. Those wishing to leave condolence notes may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.