Judy Ann Benson

Judy Ann (Wilkins) Benson [born on June 4, 1948] peacefully passed away in Chapin, South Carolina surrounded with love and family on Thursday February 22, 2024, after a 22-month courageous and valiant battle with cancer. Throughout Judy’s cancer journey, she faced all of her medical challenges with unwavering strength, grace, and determination. Her zest for life and will to live were truly remarkable. Her relentless smile and positivity served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all.

Judy is predeceased by her parents, Jake and Betty Wilkins; and her grandson, Levi.

She is survived by her loving husband, Norb, who she shared 56 years of devoted marriage; oldest son, Norbie (Christie), grandchildren: Noah, Grace, Leann, Jonah, and Levi; youngest son, Christopher (Jennifer); siblings: Jimmy (Mary), Jackie (Pat), Joyce (Floyd), and Jerry (Carol); brothers-in-law: Ed Young, Rodney VanScooter (Bonnie), Thomas Zemrus (Sally); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends whom she loved and adored. She was an avid pet lover, and always had a dog. Her current dogs, Ruby and Mikey were at bed her side non-stop until the end.

Judy grew up in Rush, New York. She graduated from Rush Henrietta High School in 1967. She met her soul mate roller skating at Long Point Park, at Conesus Lake. As she would often tell others, she went home to her mother and said, “I am going to marry that man.” On October 7, 1967, she did indeed marry the love of her life, Norbert Wayne Benson. Norb was in the military service in the 1st Infantry Division, and Judy was very proud to be an Army wife. She would take great care in shining his shoes and perfectly ironing his uniform. After Norb returned from Vietnam, he and Judy raised two boys (Norbie and Chris), living in a variety of homes in Rochester, Henrietta, and East Irondequoit. Judy and Norb also were Foster Parents to over 100 children through the years. Always a strong sense of family, Judy wanted to give back to others. Judy volunteered at Foodbank and Voter Registration in Florida.

Judy retired in 2001 after 30 years working at General Motors/Rochester Products. Upon an early retirement, Judy spent 3 years sailing the intercoastal with her husband. They enjoyed their retirement traveling back and forth to their homes in South Carolina, Florida, and Rochester. Judy loved her two sons and five grandchildren tremendously, and always went to great lengths to celebrate and enjoy family time. She was so proud of her two sons, and adoringly did anything and everything for them. Her deep love also extended to her grandchildren, so much that they established primary residence in Chapin, South Carolina to live one mile away from the kids.

She loved to travel and was always on the go! Judy also had a passion for shopping and needed a daily shopping adventure to garage sales, flea markets, Walmart, and Hamrick’s. She also enjoyed her time with family and friends at Liberty Hallow Co-Op, working, “playing”, and shopping. She adored giving gifts to others and finding trinkets and good sales.

Judy had an incredible smile, a radiant personality, and was always a ray of sunshine. Judy was the friendliest person, who talked to everyone and made friends everywhere she went. On any given day, her hair could be hues of purple, blue, or pink…or sometimes all colors of the rainbow! She loved sparkles, glitter, and “fun clothes”. She had a special and sassy style, unlike no other. Judy loved singing and dancing. She will be remembered for the love she gave and the laughter she shared with everyone. She will be loved and missed by all those who knew her and were touched by her light.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Lexington Oncology, Dr. Wells, Lexington Radiology, Dr. Davis, all the nurses, treatment providers, and Hospice. Additionally, special thanks for Judy’s brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Wilkins, for the loving in-home care they provided during the last month of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Judy Benson’s name to Rush United Methodist Church at 6200 Rush Lima Road, Rush NY, 14543 or online at https://www.rushumc.com/

Graveside burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, on Rush Scottsville Road, Rush, NY 14543 at 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024. A Celebration of Life will follow at Rush United Methodist Church, at 6200 Rush Lima Road, Rush NY, 14543 at 2:00 pm. A casual, light reception will be held immediately after, at the Church Fellowship Hall, for friends and family to gather and share memories. Judy would NOT want this to be a sad time. Please do not wear black, and instead wear bright colors (or even rhinestones).

Love You, Love You More…to the moon and back…forever Benson Strong…you are OUR sunshine.