Elizabeth Marie Sampson "Libby" Benton

Elizabeth "Libby" Marie Sampson Benton, age 72, passed away on September 11, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. Born in Long Branch, NJ she was a long-term resident of New Orleans. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 51 years, Benjamin "Ben" Benton and her sisters, Annette Sims and Sarah L. Sampson, husband Kevin Wildeman, Sister-in-Law Pamela Sampson, and nieces Amy Novack, husband Dan, Sarah K. Sampson, wife Devon, nephews Mark Sims, wife Mary Henderson, David Sampson, wife Kelly, Steven Strumolo, and Jared Strumolo. She is preceded in death by her parents Harry and Ruth Sampson, brother James C. Sampson, and brother-in-law Charles C. Sims. Mrs. Benton attended Finch College, NY and worked in New Jersey first as a secretary for Bad Leather Mexican imports and then as the Office Manager for the Monmouth County Democratic Party. Upon moving to New Orleans in 1981, Libby worked as the Assistant Administrator for the Hermann-Grima House. She eventually opened Video Alternatives with her husband, which led to their integral involvement and founding of the New Orleans Film Festival. Throughout their married life, the Bentons traveled extensively, often spending 3 or 4 months a year exploring destinations near and far. Italy, Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, Martinique and France were places they enjoyed visiting many times. Libby was always a practical and fearless partner. She happily traveled with her husband by land from New Jersey to the Panama Canal and wandered the African plains by jeep for months at a time. She was particularly interested in art history, architecture and local cultures. Reading, cooking and doing NYT puzzles were her favorite pastimes. After a debilitating stroke, she was comforted by a steady stream of friends from New Orleans and around the country. In honoring Libby's wishes, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of her life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Glass Half Full or the Claiborne History Project.