Teresa Matkins Benton, 72, of Morganton, NC, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024. Born in Wilmington, NC on February 26, 1952, she was the daughter of the late George T. Matkins, Sr. and Virginia Hammond Matkins.
Teresa graduated from Morganton High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Gardner Webb. She was a teacher with Burke County Schools where she taught kindergarten and first grade at Oak Hill Elementary for 30 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton.
Teresa is survived by her husband of 50 plus years, Barry C. Benton; sons, Aaron Benton (Jessica Hasson) and Ashley Benton (Marcia Rector); grandchildren, Kayla Burgess (Jacob), Madison Benton (Riley), and Kinsey Benton, Makenzie Hasson, and a sister-in-law Ruth Matkins, Len and Katrina of Granite Falls; half-brothers, Randy Benton and Larry Wilson of Morganton; half-sisters, Dedra Thielen and Lisa Benton of Morganton; and her lifetime best friend, Karen Robinson of Valdese.
In addition to her parents, George T. Matkins, Sr. and Virginia Hammond Matkins, Teresa was preceded in death by a brother; George T. Matkins, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 11am until 1pm, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Morganton. The funeral will be held at 1pm in the church, with Rev Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
Memorial contribution may be made to First Baptist Church children’s music programs or Burke County Friends for Animals.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Teresa Matkins Benton.
Dear Family. I had the good fortune to visit Teresa's classroom at Oak Hill as a public health worker. She was always welcoming, kind, and full of joy! One doesn't forget educators like Teresa! I wish you comfort and peace as you move forward without her. Blessings for you all - Nancy Ferguson Brown, Public Health RDH
Class of 1970, Morganton High School, sends regrets. Barry, we send our prayers for your family..
My prayers go out to you and your family. May you find peace in these difficult times
To all the Benton family, I am so sorry for your loss. Teresa was my first cousin and even though I haven't seen her since we were children I mourn her loss. All are in my thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for the family. May you all find peace in such a difficult time.
Hello Barry this is your friend Sidney Lane I'm coming to with you with a big hug to tell I'm so sorry for your loss she was absolutely amazing woman please don't feel like this end she a lot better place that where never die you will see her brand new please tell the boys my prayers go out to all of you love ya my friend Sidney
I am so saddened to hear of your dear loss Barry, My prayers go out to you and your entire family for comfort and peace. God Bless and Hold You all. Don Peach Sr.
We LOVE you! You were so sweet and kind to everyone. You will be missed.