Ceilia Anderson Benson

Ceilia Lynn Anderson Benson, 73, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in her home in Cary. She was born in Cabarrus County, N.C. , the daughter of the late Jamie Nell Anderson Riggs and Paul Willis Anderson.

Ceilia began her adult life in Chester, South Carolina. In early 1973, Ceilia met Dan Benson. On August 10, 1974, Dan and Ceilia were married. Marrying into a ready made family, Ceilia became Mom to Dan’s daughter Becky. Soon after marrying, Ceilia discovered her diabetes would keep her from a healthy pregnancy as the nature of her disease would harm her or the unborn child. Learning this, and with a strong passion to have a family, Ceilia and Dan became Foster parents in the State of South Carolina. Ceilia nurtured and loved many children as a Foster Mom. She and Dan were proudly recognized as Outstanding Foster Parents by South Carolina Foster Parents Association. While serving in South Carolina, Ceilia served as Treasurer for Chester County Foster Parents Association , helping make this groups’ fund raising projects a big success. In 1981 Ceilia and Dan adopted Jennifer and Daniel. That’s all it took for her to retire her 6+ year role as a Foster parent and become Mom to Becky, Jenni and Daniel . Ceilia loved her family!

Ceilia worked for many years with an administrative background in accounts receivable. As a single parent, she managed a busy schedule of family, involvement in Chester Baptist Church, her work and health. Not an easy task but she always covered all the positions with love.

When asked what her hobbies were, the answer was easy. Children and grandchildren. And maybe a dog or two and always a cat sitting beside her or on her lap. Known as Mama to the children, and Nana to the grands, Ceilia was in her element when surrounded by this love.

Ceilia is survived by her daughter Jennifer Benson Wood and husband Stacy; son Daniel Benson; grandchildren Ceilia Elizabeth Wood, Stacy Arnold Wood III, Brianna Kaye Benson, Daniel Paul Benson Jr, Alexis Kayleigh Stonehouse, Leeland Benson Younce and Drake Benson Younce; sister Cheryl Anderson Honeycutt and husband Billy; and, her extended, blended and splendid family David and Amanda Stonehouse , daughters Jane, Ann Marie and Emma; and Betsy Younce.

A LIFE WELL LIVED