Benita Worrell

1933 - 2020

Benita Worrell

Tallahassee - Benita L. Worrell, 87, a lifelong resident of Wakulla and Leon Counties, passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2020, together with her husband, daughter, and son, who held her hand as they said their final goodbyes.

Born on July 28, 1933, Benita was the product of the White/Butler families, pioneers of Medart, Florida, and the Linton family, a pioneer of St. Marks. Before it was moved for historical purposes in the 1970's, the "Butler house" where her grandmother was born and where Benita spent many childhood years, was the oldest home in Wakulla County. Benita's life was epitomized by the indomitable pioneer spirit of her forbearers, and she was the matriarchal link of reunions that held past and new generations of the family together. She lived and breathed Wakulla. Adored by all that knew her, she was fun loving and full of creativity, wit, and sass.

Benita worked in the legal field for approximately 42 years. Always energetic, Benita was not slowed by retirement. She could play any instrument she decided to pick up including the organ, piano, ukulele and accordion. She was the church piano player for many years and known for her beautiful voice. She also painted, made jewelry, wrote poetry and songs, and was a wonderful story teller. She loved to throw parties and was involved in organizing Crawfordville School reunions for many years.

Benita was particularly passionate about her faith. She started a charity organization known as the "Doves" that served Wakulla County and beyond for many years. The "Doves" would make and sell their crafts to raise money for local schools, churches and homeless shelters in addition to sending packages to children's hospitals and troops serving abroad. The women who formed the "Doves" also focused on intellectual pursuits and had speakers on topics ranging from identity theft to Alzheimer's disease.

Benita was preceded in death by her loving parents, Atlee Lewis Linton and Georgia Wakulla White, and by her brother, Lewis Linton and sister, Virginia Linton Grant, as well as son Dennis Worrell and grandson Joshua Scott Lynch.

Survivors include her cherished husband of 41 years, Albert Benjamin Worrell, her beloved sister, Judith Linton Gilbert, and her children; Tara Roberts (Michael), Chuck Greene (Erin), Ira Worrell, and Brenda Ryman (Gary). Other survivors include seven grandchildren; Garth, Brianna and Shea Greene, Jenny Florin, Whitney Eubanks, Caylan Wright, and Austin Ryman, and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 11:00am at Friendship Memorial Cemetery in Medart, FL, with a viewing thirty minutes prior. Lifesong Funerals & Cremations (lifesongfunerals.com or 850/627-1111) is assisting the family with arrangements.

What a wonderful thing to know your mother is in heaven.