Alice Creech Benson

November 15, 1944 – April 29, 2025

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” – Let the good times roll!

Alice Creech Benson, 80, of Clayton, NC, passed away on April 29, 2025, leaving behind a life lived with boundless energy, love, and joy.

The only child of Cornelia Gulley Creech, a beloved first grade teacher, and Otto Clarence Creech, a respected Clayton police officer, Alice was a proud lifelong resident of Clayton. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1963 and treasured her hometown roots, never missing a chance to reconnect at CHS reunions—both her own and those of her husband, Jimmy C. Benson (Class of ’59), whom she married on December 20, 1964.

Together, they built a life full of family, fun, and community. She was a devoted mom to Angela Benson Kodsi (Matt Kodsi) and Daniel Benson (Beth Benson), and the proudest grandmother of Devin Kodsi, Jessica Kodsi, Sydney Benson, Skylar Benson, and Sawyer Benson. She never missed a game, concert, or school performance—though when Daniel pitched in baseball, her nerves sent her hiding behind the bleachers!

Alice lived by her motto, “Let the good times roll,” and she did exactly that. She worked over the years at the NC Department of Revenue, as well as in local offices with Dr. T.R. Bass and Charles Williams Realty. But her true calling was people—she never met a stranger. Whether chatting with someone new at the Amelia Church Chicken BBQ or catching up with friends at Jones Café and Sunday evenings at Bojangles, Alice found joy in connection.

She was deeply rooted in her faith and music, growing up at Horne Memorial United Methodist Church, where she sang under the direction of her grandmother, Inez W. Gulley. Alice shared her voice in countless recitals and played in the church’s handbell choir for many years.

She loved a little adventure and a little luck—especially when it involved a trip to Harrah’s in Cherokee or Murphy, a getaway to Las Vegas, or scratching off lottery tickets “just in case this one’s the big winner.” She never hit the jackpot, but she always had fun trying. She also had a soft spot for shopping—especially for jewelry at the Brighton Outlet—along with strawberry ice cream, Hershey bars, and outlet adventures.

Alice was a lifelong Comet fan who cheered from the Clayton High School football stands while Jimmy called the games from the press box. She loved to travel—visiting Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, San Diego, Charleston, Hershey, and beyond—and she looked forward to every class reunion, BBQ, festival, and everyday outing around Johnston County, always “draggin' Main” before heading home.

At heart, Alice was a people person, a storyteller, and a devoted friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy is one of laughter, music, kindness, and pure joy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, from 6:00–8:00 PM at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. A funeral service celebrating Alice’s life will be held Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 AM, also at McLaurin. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts may be made to the Clayton High School Alumni Association.

Alice Benson lived every day like it was meant to be enjoyed—and she made sure everyone around her did, too.

Let the good times roll.