Thelma Sue Benya

Thelma Sue Benya, age 96, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on March 31, 2026. She will be lovingly remembered as Sue—a beloved, cherished, faithful, and devoted woman whose life was marked by deep love for family, steady commitment to her church, and the simple joys that made her days full.

Sue was born on February 14, 1930. She grew up in Six Mile, South Carolina on her family farm, and also in Greenville, South Carolina in textile mills housing—places that shaped her steady spirit and appreciation for home.

Sue and Andy were married in 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina. Through Andy’s honorable air force service, they traveled and lived in places across the United States before settling in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2003.

A woman of warm routines and heartfelt devotion, Sue loved her kitties, favoring purebred Persian cats. However, Tina, a gray cat, became Sue’s second half—so much so that some joked she loved Tina a little more than her kids.

Sue adored and lived for her grandchildren. She was always asking about them, spending time with them, and making sure they had everything they needed. She valued family time and gathered with her children and grandchildren as often as possible.

She loved the beach—any beach at all—and she had been to many. Time at the beach with family was among her favorite ways to be together.

Sue was an avid gardener, tending florals, fruits, and vegetables. She spent many hours outside caring for her garden and sitting on her porch with Tina, birdwatching and rabbit watching together, with bird feeders set out nearby.

Sue also loved shopping and spending time with her family. She especially loved shoes and purses, valued being well dressed and put together, and her children remember that she always had a matching outfit—hat included—while making sure they, too, were exquisitely dressed.

Sue was a member of Taylor Road Baptist Church and was a proud, active, and consistent member. She participated as much as she possibly could and was a member of the BSF program at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Sue was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Andrew Benya; father, Noah Tripp; mother, Ethel Tripp; brothers, Robert Tripp and Roy Tripp; as well as her sister, Frances Hipp.

She is survived by her children, James Harris (Bernedette), Andrew Michael Benya (Terri), Kathryn Sue Macker (John), Donna Benya and Margaret Jones (Jon); grandchildren, Krista, David, Paul, John, Andrew, Christiana, Rebekah and Jon William; sisters, Trueman Taylor, Martha Ann Newsome and Mary Jameson; a host of nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren; as well as her beloved cat companion, Tina.

A Visitation for Sue will be held at Taylor Road Baptist Church , 1685 Taylor Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117, US, on April 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at the same venue. A Graveside Service will take place afterwards at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery, 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117, US, on April 7, 2026.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Macker, John Macker, Jon William Jones, Michael Leger, Paul Benya, and David Benya.