Carolyn Wiley Benefield

Carolyn Benefield.
She could waterski but she couldn’t swim.

Carolyn Benefield, born January 29, 1938 in South Fulton, KY was perfectly described by that amazing characteristic. Who can do that? Who will ski when they can’t even swim? Only someone with the ability to totally place their faith in what they’ve been told and subsequently believed. Carolyn was told that if she kept her ski tips up, held on and let the boat do the work—she’d ski. She believed what she was told and she skied. That she could do nothing to save herself if she fell was not a factor. She had faith and let the boat pull her. She skied and never swam. That ability to trust and believe defined her life. She believed in and trusted the people around her. But it was the faith she placed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior that allowed the family and friends she leaves behind to rejoice when she joined her Lord on December 14, 2018. Carolyn knew there was nothing she could do in life to save herself other than believe; her faith in Christ assured her salvation. Carolyn was an active member of Riverview Baptist Church where she loved serving in multiple roles over the years.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Billy Benefield; two sons Jeff (Kim) Benefield and Steve (Tracyann) Benefield; one granddaughter Charley Marie Benefield, and two grandsons, Blake Benefield and Andrew Benefield. Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister Martha Ann Luttrell; and her parents Clarence and Bessie Wiley. Carolyn leaves behind to cherish her memories many loved in-laws, Kathy Burleson, Mike (Margaret) Benefield, Delano (Lucretia) Benefield, and Sue Lyons, nieces, nephews, relatives, lifelong friends, special neighbors, and women of Riverview Baptist Church.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia. Services will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, TN. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Davis, Scott Davis, Stan Davis, Jimmy Hanvy, Keith Luttrell, Chuck Lyons, Chad Burleson, Jon Burleson, Jeff Buie, Bobby Benefield, and Bo Benefield. Honorary Pallbearers will be the gentlemen from Riverview Baptist Church.

Williams Funeral is assisting the family and condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .