Carrie Mae Benfield better known as "Momma Cora" to all she loved was one of eleven children of the late Coeburn and Cordia Lee Franklin. Cora is preceded in death by beloved siblings, Shirley Newman, Patsy Little, Gary Franklin, and Monroe Franklin. She is survived by siblings Carolyn Pugh, Maggie Cannon, Norma Moyer, Teana Rowe, Susie Wood, Rick Franklin, children Rusty Benfield, Jennifer Franklin, and Grandchildren Cameron and Alora Franklin.
Cora may have grown up poor but she was Rich in Spirit and character. She was smart as a whip and could out wit anyone. She could have been the Champion of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune if only she didn't have stage fright, or so she claimed, lol. She dedicated her life's work to the children of NCSD where she became fluent in sign language and met some of her closest, dearest life long friends. She taught us sign language, how to Cook like Granny, including Chocolate Gravy......yuuuuuum! She loved gardening, bird watching, fishing with her sisters and teaching her Grandchildren how to draw and catch Crabs on the Beach. She was Sassy and sly and could always turn your frown upside down, and she would offer anyone a shoulder to cry on and always gave the most comforting back rubs when you were sad. After retirement her spirit was renewed when she fell in Love with her Grand babies, Cameron and Alora they will always be the Loves of her Life and the reason she pressed on and fought to live as long as she did. In recent years with her failing health she never lost her sassy spirit or unique sense of humor. Everyone who met her fell in love with her, she was Full of Love and laughter and could make you giggle even when the situation seemed so dark and daunting. She was a Bright light that always tried to see the positive side of life. So rather than being sad she asked that we Celebrate her Life. Hug your loved ones as often as you can, tell them how much you love them everyday, and know that until we meet again we've got another Awesome Angel watching over us from the other side. This is not goodbye this is simply, until we meet again Ma. We Love you from the Moon and Back and Every Star in between.
Love Always,
Jennifer, Rusty, Cameron, and Alora
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.
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