Carol L. Benton

Carol L. Benton
Oct. 2, 1944 – Feb. 17, 2024
Carol L. Benton, affectionately known as Kelly, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, 2024, in Lewes, Del., at the age of 79. Born on Oct. 2, 1944, in Monessen, Kelly was a beacon of love and laughter, touching the lives of all who knew her. Kelly’s life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of Bruce Benton, her partner in life for 58 years, and the cherished mother of Shannon Benton and her husband, Tom Flatt, of Alexandria, Va., Erin Maggio and her husband, Greg Maggio, of College Park, Md., and the beloved sister of Lynn Kiley of San Francisco, Calif. Kelly’s role as the matriarch of her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in raising her two daughters and creating a warm and inviting home. Her career was as varied and rich as her personal interests. Kelly worked as a medical assistant in various specialties, including urology and radiology in Philadelphia, and at Charleroi Medical Center. She also served as an executive assistant and innkeeper at the Corner Cupboard Inn in Rehoboth Beach, Del., from 1983-87. Later, she continued her medical assistant career at Michelle Mangum’s neurologist office in Lewes, Del., until 2001. Kelly’s passions extended beyond her professional life. She was an avid reader and a lover of travel, with a particular fondness for the Caribbean and wintering in Key West, Fla. Her friends knew her as a great listener and a loyal companion. Kelly’s loving, funny and friendly nature will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her light and spirit will continue to shine in the memories of her family and friends. Kelly’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter and friendship, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the “Bay Crossing” neighborhood for their love and support over the years. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may visit beginning at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kelly’s name to the Brandywine Valley SPCA or to Make-A-Wish. Please visit Kelly’s life memorial at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.