Celebrating the life of
Julia Gilbert Benton
December 17, 1917 - September 22, 2007
Julia Gilbert Benton
SAVANNAH - Julia Norris Gilbert Benton, 89, known as Julie, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice.
Born December 17, 1917 in Carmel, NY to Julia Evelyn Norris Gilbert and Barrett Clark Gilbert, she was raised in New York City and Bay Shore, Long Island, NY. As a child, Julie developed a life-long love for sailing, racing stars & comets on the Great South Bay. Julie graduated from Bay Shore High School, the Ogontz School in Philadelphia, and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City. For several years she served as parish secretary for the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrim in Brooklyn, NY. In 1941, Julie met Edward Joy "E.J." Benton Jr. at an Allied Van Lines Convention in Palm Beach, FL. Coincidentally, both their fathers were transportation pioneers; Ed's father in all aspects of transportation in the southeast and especially in Georgia and Julie's father as a co-founder of Allied Van Lines. She and Ed were married in 1942 in New York City and settled in Savannah. While raising their family, Julie was actively involved in volunteer work in the community as a member of the Junior League of Savannah and the Florence Crittendon Home. In later years, Julie worked as a real estate agent for Century 21 and owned a needlepoint shop "Needleworks" on Taylor Street.
Julie loved her home and the Gordonston neighborhood where she lived for over 54 years. She was the initial force in researching the historic significance of her neighborhood and home, which lead to the designation of Gordonston as an historic neighborhood and her home as the first national historic landmark outside downtown Savannah. Julie was a member of Christ Church, serving as a docent in the historic church building and teaching adult literacy. When interest for the church literacy program waned, Julie continued to meet with her student twice a week at her home. Over the years Julie was a member of the Savannah Yacht Club, the Savannah Golf Club, the DAR, Colonial Dames and Historic Savannah Foundation. Julie loved gardening, serving in every leadership position of the Gordonston Garden Club, founding the Gordonston Grand Gardeners, and actively participating in the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs and the Chatham County Botanical Garden as well as being appointed to two terms on the Park and Tree Commission. Her favorite place to be, though, was in her own garden, where "Grandma Julie", as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, entertained everyone. She never met a stranger!
She is survived by her children and their spouses; Edward Joy "Ted" Benton III and his wife Ginger, of Savannah, Barrett Gilbert Benton and his wife Pam, of Savannah, Julia Evelyn Benton Morgan and her husband Jeff, of New York City, Rowayton, CT and Savannah, and Barbara Norris Benton of Savannah; five grandchildren and their spouses, Amy Evelyn Benton Haenel and her husband Hal, of Los Angeles, CA, Barrett Gilbert "Gil" Benton, Jr. and his wife Kathy, of Atlanta, GA., Edward Joy "Ward" Benton IV, Benton Lee Morgan and Clark Reynolds Morgan, all of New York City; three great grandchildren; Katherine "Barrett" Benton, Samuel Robert "Sam" Benton, and Holden Hopper Haenel. She is survived by her cousins; Cathleen Clare Esleeck, Luther Norris Post and his wife Helen, and Lawrence Carpenter, Jr.
The family wishes to thank Brenda Hall, Grandma Julie's "mostly" caregiver over the last few years, and the caregivers and staff of Home Instead and Spanish Oaks Hospice.
Visitation will be at her home in Gordonston on Monday, September 24 from 5 to 7 pm.
Funeral services will be held at Christ Church on Tuesday, September 25, at 10:30am with interment at Bonaventure Cemetery, Greenwich Section, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to:
Spanish Oaks Hospice Care, 8510 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, GA, 31406, Christ Church, 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, or Gordonston Park Foundation, c/o Savannah Community Foundation, 7393 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
I will never forget Julie's smile. I am not actually sure I remember a time when she was not smiling! I have so many wonderful memories of going over to the house on Pierpont, seeing her, and spending so much time in the company of all of the Benton clan. I have always felt so welcome and loved by this gracious family. They have always opened up the house and their hearts to all. I am a better person for knowing Julie and all of the Bentons.
- Margaret Williamson, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy
- Dale Morgan, Savannah,, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Elizabeth Godfrey and family
- Elizabeth Godfrey, Manila, - Other
Oh, what wonderful memories we have, from Julie coming over while the moving van was still outside and advising how to 'cure' the green pool, to her ever watchful eye in trimming bushes in the park. She will be missed. Our love and prayers to you all.
- Barbara & John Roberts, Highlands, NC
To Barrett and Pam: I was saddened to read of your Mothers passing. What a lovely woman with such joie de vivre. It was fun knowing that our families shared the Bay Shore/New York City living experience, but I know that Savannah claimed her heart. She will be missed by all.
- Joan P. Harwood, Savannah, GA
To all Bentons, Your Mom was the kindess woman...all of our family knew her only to be as 'sweet as they come.' Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. All my love, Hollis and all the Stacy's
- Hollis Stacy, Lakewood, CO
Julie was such a wonderful friend and encouragement with her marvelous smile and happy voice. Mom is so sorry that she cannot be with you all but is with you in heart. Johnny and Angela
- johnny bowyer and angela straight, savannah, GA
I will never forget Julie's smile. I am not actually sure I remember a time when she was not smiling! I have so many wonderful memories of going over to the house on Pierpont, seeing her, and spending so much time in the company of all of the Benton clan. I have always felt so welcome and loved by this gracious family. They have always opened up the house and their hearts to all. I am a better person for knowing Julie and all of the Bentons.
- Margaret Williamson, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy
- Dale Morgan, Savannah,, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Elizabeth Godfrey and family
- Elizabeth Godfrey, Manila, - Other -
Oh, what wonderful memories we have, from Julie coming over while the moving van was still outside and advising how to 'cure' the green pool, to her ever watchful eye in trimming bushes in the park. She will be missed. Our love and prayers to you all.
- Barbara & John Roberts, Highlands, NC
To Barrett and Pam: I was saddened to read of your Mothers passing. What a lovely woman with such joie de vivre. It was fun knowing that our families shared the Bay Shore/New York City living experience, but I know that Savannah claimed her heart. She will be missed by all.
- Joan P. Harwood, Savannah, GA
To all Bentons, Your Mom was the kindess woman...all of our family knew her only to be as 'sweet as they come.' Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. All my love, Hollis and all the Stacy's
- Hollis Stacy, Lakewood, CO
Julie was such a wonderful friend and encouragement with her marvelous smile and happy voice. Mom is so sorry that she cannot be with you all but is with you in heart. Johnny and Angela
- johnny bowyer and angela straight, savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
