Emma Ann Lawton Benton

Mrs. Emma Ann Lawton Benton, 91, entered into the presence of her Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Born on July 3, 1934, in Florence, South Carolina, Emma Ann was the daughter of the late Edward Maner Lawton and Louise Sumner Lawton. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, James Carson “Jimmy” Benton, Sr., and by her sister, Constance Louise Lawton Huggins.
In 1946, Emma Ann moved with her family to Myrtle Beach, where she graduated from Myrtle Beach High School in 1952. She continued her education at Coker College, graduating in 1954, where she was a proud member of the synchronized swimming team.
Emma Ann was the steadfast partner behind C.L. Benton & Sons, faithfully supporting her husband throughout the years as they built both a successful business and a home centered on faith and love. She was also a devoted member of The Dunes Golf & Beach Club. She was also a member of The Huguenot Society and several bridge and book clubs.
Emma Ann’s life was a beautiful reflection of her Christian faith. A charter member of Ocean View Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School for sixteen years and was very passionate about her faith. She taught her children and grandchildren to put God first, love their family deeply, and treat others with kindness and grace.
Emma Ann treasured holidays, birthdays, beach days, fishing trips, vacations, and every opportunity to gather with the people she loved. She had a remarkable gift for bringing family and friends together, creating traditions and memories that will continue to be cherished.
Emma Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, lively spirit, generous heart, and unconditional love for her family. Her greatest legacy is found not in the things she accomplished, but in the lives she nurtured, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Nothing brought Emma Ann greater joy than her family. She is survived by her four children: Rosalind Burroughs (Stan), Carson Benton (Michelle Gore), Lawton Benton (Elizabeth), and Eve Smith (Chris). She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Lauren Hoffman (Paul), Leslie Banta (Jon), Sydney Tillman (Matt), Mary Stanley Burroughs (Bradley Parker), Kathleen Carr (Brent), Jake Benton (Emily Anna), Edward Benton (Sarah), Spencer Benton (Lauren), Louise Condon (Michael), Benton Smith (Lydia), Tyler Smith (Gardner DiVenere), and 20 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Terry Belden, Dr. Neil Trask and Dr. Mark Karavan for their devoted care they gave Mrs. Benton throughout the years. They also would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mitchell King, Linda Jones, Anna Fraser, Melissa Windley and Shirley Rogers for their unwavering love, kindness, and exceptional care.
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends beginning one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grand Miracle Leagues of Myrtle Beach at P.O. Box 7503 Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. 

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