Sylvia Gale Haynes Benfield

Sylvia Gale Haynes Benfield, 75, of Morganton, NC, passed away on Monday, November 8th, 2021, following a lengthy illness. Born January 19th, 1946, in Burke County, she was the daughter of the late Ellis Carlyle Haynes and Effie Rathburn Haynes. Gale enjoyed camping and traveling all over the United States with her family. Gale had a real love of wildflowers and wildlife.

Gale retired in 2014, after 14 years of service, as the curator of the North Carolina Room at the Morganton Public Library. During her time at the library, Gale coordinated the Gathering of the People each February in celebration of Black History Month. Gale led the creation of the Picture Burke project, acquiring, cataloging, and making accessible a collection of photographs enjoyed by so many in the community today.

She was a board member and curator of the Burke County Historical Society. Gale was a member of the Genealogical Society and a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton.

Survivors are: her daughter, Therese Benfield LaValley (Brent); her sister, Patricia Williams; her niece, Stefanie Carthan (Charles); and former spouse, Knolan Benfield.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021 in the Chapel at First Baptist Church in Morganton with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Smokies www.friendofthesmokies.org/product/honor-a-friend/.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.