Barbara Benton Corkum, 68, died peacefully November 26th, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her sister by her side. She was born July 2nd, 1953, the daughter of Julia Norris Gilbert Benton and Edward Joy Benton, Jr. Barbara attended Savannah Country Day School, graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Denver. She and Bruce Corkum were married in 1980 and lived in Alexandria, VA. She worked in the Washington, D.C., and the northern Virginia area for many years. Later, moving to Rowayton, CT, she worked with her sister in interior design. Barbara made each job fun for clients and contractors, and many became lifelong friends. Returning to Savannah in 2002 she began a career in real estate and later health insurance. Everyone loved Barbara. She was a smart, funny, sweet person, and a caring friend. She was a gifted artist, who loved painting and all kinds of crafts. Also, she especially loved playing piano and listening to music. One of Barbara’s great joys was her love for dogs. She raised three generations of yellow Labradors and loved every minute with Chant, Strider and Molson. She was truly a dog whisperer – even the neighborhood dogs would sneak over to play with Barbara. Barbara had a huge heart and a tenacious spirit despite daunting health challenges. She always had a twinkle in her eye, enjoyed meeting new people and had a ready laugh and smile. She never forgot a family birthday. She loved beach walks and shell collecting with friends and family.

Barbara is survived by her family whom she loved dearly and who loved her dearly; siblings and spouses,  Edward “Ted” Benton III (Ginger), Barrett Benton (Pam), all of Savannah and Julia “Lynn” Benton Morgan (Jeff) of Rowayton, CT; five nieces, nephews and spouses, goddaughter Amy Benton Haenel (Hal) of Savannah, Barret“Gil” Benton, Jr. (Tiffany) of Alpharetta, GA, Edward “Ward” Benton IV (Ashley) of New York City, Benton Morgan of Savannah, and Clark Morgan of Denver, CO; seven great-nieces and great-nephews; Katherine “Barrett” Benton, Sam Benton, and Reef Nolan of Alpharetta, GA, Holden and Maren Haenel of Savannah, and Taylor and Elizabeth Benton of New York, NY.

The family wishes to give their deepest appreciation to the many caregivers at River’s Edge and The Social by Thrive who assisted Barbara with loving hearts and great good humor.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal, 28 Bull Street on Monday, December 27th at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Michael S. White will officiate and be assisted by the Rev. Patti R. Davis. Burial will follow the service in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.  The family requests that Covid-19 protocols be followed, including the wearing of masks while indoors.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to The Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Inc. 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, NAMI, 4301 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA, 22203, and Christ Church Episcopal, 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401, of a charity of your choice.