Carol Jean Benjamin
August 7, 1941 – November 24, 2022
Carol was born in McLean, New York to Clifford and Josephine Smith on August 7, 1941. Her Dad was in the Air Force so the family moved to many places including England. She grew up in a big family, having one sister and five brothers. Her mother was a very loving mother to Carol and this showed as she came to be a parent to her own children. She remained close to her siblings throughout her life. Her brother Doug shared a funny memory of Carol when she was teenager. She told him that she wasn’t going to have any children because it was too painful! She had six children and told us many time how painful it was!
Carol believed in education so she put herself through nursing school at Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama. She then joined the Air Force and served two years as a nurse and 2nd Lieutenant. She was very proud of being a nurse and helping others.
Carol met Juan Benjamin in the Air Force and married him after only six months of dating! He was the one! She and Juan made a wonderful life together. They shared all the ups and downs of marriage and stayed together through it all. They raised six children together and loved them dearly. They lost a son together and through their broken hearts they remained together. Carol and Juan loved each other very much and this showed in how much they cared for each other and their kids.
Carol’s most important job was raising her six children. She loved them so much and always put them first. She always made sure that birthdays and holidays were special for everyone. She took care of them when they were sick, wiped their tears when they were sad, listened to them with all their joys and heartaches. She gave her children everything they needed to feel safe and loved. She was an amazing mom.
Carol had many friends over the years. Her friends brought her so much happiness and laughter. They saw her through the good times and bad. She really loved her friends so very much. They enriched her life.
Carol loved God and her church. She lived her life to serve God and do good for others. One of her favorite things to do was to teach Sunday school. She loved teaching the kids, it brought her so much joy! She loved writing and did this with her friends. She even took some creative writing classes. Reading was also very high on her list of enjoyments. Her favorite gifts were gift cards to Barnes and Noble. She was very easy to shop for!
Carol made such a difference in so many lives. She will be missed very much.
Thank you Carol, for being such a dynamic presence in all the lives you touched. You were a kind, caring, happy person that we were so blessed to have.
Carol was a blessing to us all and will be so missed. She made this world a better place and will not be forgotten. Thank you Carol for all you’ve done in your life. You are in God’s hands now.
Carol is survived by her children, Alison Benjamin (Alan Brewer),Kirsten Perry (Daniel), Matthew Benjamin, Lucas Benjamin, and Marcus Benjamin. Her two grandchildren, Steven Perry and Evan Christopher. Her siblings, Shirley Degan (John), Barry Smith (Joyce), Douglas Smith (Pat), Michael Smith (Marilyn), and Donald Smith (Jan).
Carol is preceded in death by her loving husband, Juan Benjamin Sr., her son, Juan Benjamin Jr., her brother in law John Degan, her brother Clifford Smith, and her son in law, Alan Brewer.
Saturday, December 3, 2022:
The Visitation, Rosary, and Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. The services will be officiated by Carol’s son, Father Matthew Benjamin, Father Bryan Lowe, and Deacon Greg Thompson.
Visitation starts at 12:00pm.
Rosary is at 12:30pm.
Mass is at 1:00pm.
There will a luncheon to follow in the church hall at 2:00pm.
Monday, December 5, 2022:
Carol’s final resting place will be next to her husband Juan at Good Shepherd Catholic Church Columbarium, South Huntsville, Alabama. The ceremony will be officiated by Deacon Greg Thompson.
