Geneva Lucille Benefield

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Cave Springs Cemetery for Geneva Downs Benefield, 88, of Gadsden. She was appropriately called to her heavenly home on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Pastor Jordan Self of Falls Mountain Global Methodist Church will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will direct.

Mrs. Benefield was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She lived up to her saying of being “COUNTRY STRONG” throughout her entire life. There were no boundaries as to what she would do for her family. Her last words, “I love my whole family with all my heart,” exemplified this. Our precious Geneva brought joy and comfort to all that knew her. She was an inspiration to her family, caregivers, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband and best friend of 56 years, Fred Benefield; parents, Emmett and Lucille Downs; and sister, Lavada Dalton.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Pike Sheffield (Ken) and Susan Johnson (Rex); her two grandchildren, Shauna Fuhrman Keiner (Todd) and Will Pike; a host of precious cousins, nieces, and nephews; not to mention grand-dogs and “adopted” children.

Pallbearers will be Will Pike, Rex Johnson, Ken Sheffield, Todd Keiner, Dale Vaughn, and David Dalton. Honorary pallbearers are friends of Gulf State Steel, where she spent her career of 45 years.

In special thanks, we recognize our adoring friend, Jackie Alldredge Faust, for her care and support. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Jeanne’s Dream Team: Rachel, Amber, Jamie, Ann, Claudette, Jeanette, Misty, Braylen, and Enhabit Hospice nurses.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Falls Mountain Global Methodist Church, 209 Mary Lou Circle, Gadsden, AL 35904.

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. Thank you, Mom and grandmother, for the beautiful life and the example you led for all of us here on earth. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. We love you so much, and we will meet you there.”

——————