Service
Committal
Elizabeth Pauline “Polly” Benfield, 85, of Morganton, NC, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones and caregivers on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Born in Avery County, NC on October 1, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Bruce Piercy and Faye Piercy Shook McKinney.
A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Polly was known for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support to all who knew her. She worked for over 30 years at UNC Health Blue Ridge and Valdese.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kathy Cook; grandchildren, Stacy Cook, Savana Harwood, and Kayla Harwood Bingham and her husband, Dustin; and great-granddaughter, McKenzie Norville.
In addition to her parents, Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Benfield; son, Bruce Benfield; daughter, Donna Morgan; grandson, Garrett Cook; brothers, Randy McKinney and Donald McKinney; and sisters, Carol Daniels, Janice McKinney, and Jackie Piercy.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Elizabeth Pauline “Polly” Benfield.
Condolences to the family. My Mom Bell Dellinger worked with Polly at Grace Hospital for many years and were great friends. My Mom was very fond of Polly and I'm sure they are enjoying time together in Heaven. I remember her as the nicest lady anyone could ever meet. God Bless Greg Dellinger
Rest in peace, my prayers go to the family for healing. I wish I could’ve been around you more and got to know you as I grew up. Thank you for being kind to me while you could. See you someday.
Kayla and Dustin..so sad to hear of Polly's passing. She was a great neighbor and we enjoyed getting to know you as her devoted caregivers. Keith still chuckles when he remembers trimming trees between our house and her house. He would step back and admire his handiwork and ask Polly...how she thought they looked. Without cracking a smile she said "They look like a little boy with a bad haircut". Bless you both for being such dedicated caregivers to Polly for such an extended period of time.
Polly was such a great neighbor and a great person very soft-spoken and considerate. We will miss you sweetheart
AUNT Polly will awats have that special place in my heart. I WILL always Love her and I know Uncle Dick is waiting for her at the river bank really for the two of then to go fishing
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Polly was one of the sweetest people and she will be missed. You are in our prayers .
Sad to see that sweet Little Polly has passed away. She was a sweet lady. Always kind humble and pleasant. I worked with her in clean supply for along time. May God cuddle you all in his arms and comfort you all in his arms in this time of grief. Rachel Causby Morgan.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MAY GOD WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND EACH ONE OF YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OG GRIEVING MAY ALL HAVE COMFORT KNOWING SHE'S WITH GOD NOW IN PEACE& COMFORT