Marlene Benson Andrews

Greenville - Marlene Benson Andrews was born in Lenoir County on September 9, 1955. On January 4, 2025, covered in love and full of peace, she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Marlene was surrounded by her family and closest friends at her home in Greenville, NC.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Allen Benson and Cora Outlaw Loftin Benson, husband, Gregory Ashley Andrews, sister, Pattie Jean Benson Stroud, and bonus sister, Sarah Ann Whitford.
Marlene is survived by her daughters, Amy Middlebrooks and Ashley Andrews, bonus son, Jonathan Andrew Whitford (Chandler); grandchildren, Dylan Walker Andrews, Dalton Gray Herring (Hailey), and Jaidyn Alyssa Herring; great-grandchildren, Onyx Gray Herring and Atlas Jade Herring; brothers, JC Benson (Dinah), Lynwood Earl Benson (Becky), Jimmy Benson (Barbara); brother-in-law, Claro Stroud; and sister-niece, Robin Bell (Jerry), and lots of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and one cannot forget her little shadow and bestest friend Maggie and her incredibly loved grand puppies Izzie, Luna, Bella, and Beau.
Marlene graduated from South Lenoir High School and East Carolina University's Nursing School in 1977. After 47 years of nursing, she retired from ECU Medical Center. There were so many nurses Marlene took under her wing. She enjoyed training new nurses and helping them grow. Marlene loved her work as a nurse and even found pride in being a part of the Nurse Honor Guard.
Marlene always had the brightest smile, lighting up a room no matter where she was. Never knowing a stranger, she would get to know someone, and you would instantly love her. You knew you were loved because of her heart of gold and warmest of hugs.
Marlene spent many years as a camp counselor and nurse during summer camp weeks at Cragmont Assembly in Black Mountain, NC, and Camp Vandemere in Vandemere, NC. She had a heart for being with her campers, caring for their "boo-boos," and pointing them to Jesus.
Her hobbies included spending as much time as possible with her family and friends, helping others, and traveling. Marlene was a dedicated servant of Jesus who served in the church in many roles, including Sunday School teacher and youth group leader.
Flowers are lovely, but if you would, she would prefer to give donations to the Free Will Baptist Children's Home in Middlesex, NC.
Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at Greenville Church of God, Greenville, NC, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends an hour prior to the service.