Wilma Lee Benoit

Wilma Lee Benoit, 84, of Owosso, Michigan, passed away on August 25, 2025, at University of Michigan Sparrow Health in Lansing, Michigan. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose strength, warmth, and faith touched all who knew her.
She was born on October 28, 1940, in Barre, Vermont, to William and Dorothy Sole. Wilma's childhood and early years in Vermont gave her many of the memories she held closest throughout her life-time with her parents and siblings, raising her own children there, and the many holidays and family gatherings that marked those years.
In her mid-thirties, Wilma came to faith in Jesus Christ, a decision that became a very important part of her life. She eventually moved to Michigan, which became her home and the place where she built a life full of purpose, faith, and love. She was a longtime member of Gilead Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for more than twenty years, sharing the message of John 3:16 with countless children. She volunteered with Child Evangelism Fellowship, opening her home to Bible clubs and other outreach events that welcomed children and families from the community. She participated in mission trips and church ministries, played piano for church services, and organized Christmas plays and pageants. Her faith was never confined to church walls-she lived it in how she cared for neighbors, offered help where it was needed, and opened her door to others.
Wilma enjoyed the quiet parts of life as well-tending to her garden, painting with watercolors, and enjoying the company of her pet cat "Kitty." She especially loved the times when family gathered in her home, often around the meals she prepared with care.
She is predeceased by her children Rebecca Swiger, Carolyn Benoit, and Daniel Benoit and now rejoins them in heaven. She is survived by her son, Robert Benoit, Jr., and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilma also leaves her siblings, Frederick Sole, Pauline Bennett, Lorraine Jordan, and Lawrence Sole, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Gilead Baptist Church, 300 N. Delaney Rd., Owosso, MI. Friends are welcome beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1106 S. Washington St., Owosso, MI. A luncheon will be served at Gilead Baptist Church following the graveside service.
The family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel.
Online condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com