Helen J. Benthall

Published 4:28 pm Monday, February 17, 2025

AHOSKIE, NC – Helen Jeanne Benthall, 94, of Ahoskie, NC, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born to the late Clarence Wheeler Benthall and Helen Rainey Benthall of Portsmouth, Virginia, Jeanne lived a life dedicated to love, faith, and service.

A proud graduate of Wilson High School, Jeanne went on to become the valedictorian of Norfolk General’s first class of nurse anesthetists in 1951. Her passion for medicine and unwavering professionalism defined a remarkable 44-year career in healthcare. She served in hospitals across the country, including in Chicago, IL, Medford, WI, and finally Ahoskie, NC, where she proudly cared for patients at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital from 1970 until her retirement in 1995.

Above all, Jeanne’s heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones. She is survived by her nephew, David Kennedy, and his wife, Despina, of Lake Worth, FL; and her nieces, Jacqueline Busch and her husband, Hauke, of Milledgeville, GA, and Leslie Alkire and her husband, Jim, of Chesapeake, VA. She also leaves behind eight beloved grand-nieces and nephews – David, Taylor, Jacob, Christian, Mady, Noah, Aslan, and Olivia Pearl – each of whom she adored beyond measure.

Jeanne’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her church family was inspiring. She was a proud and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Ahoskie, where she served as the church librarian for years and she found deep spiritual fulfillment and lifelong friendships.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22 at First Baptist Church, 312 West Main Street, Ahoskie, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church in Ahoskie at the address above, honoring Jeanne’s lifelong commitment to faith and service.

Jeanne’s memory will forever be a beacon of love, strength, and compassion to all who knew her.