Benton, Longtime Cartersville School Board Member, Dies At 77

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Longtime Cartersville City School Board member Linda Benton died Monday. She was 77.

Benton served on Cartersville’s school board 23 years, 18 as president, according to The Daily Tribune News. She was a 1961 graduate of Cartersville High School and was first appointed to the board in 1994.

“The love, care and compassion she had for all students from pre-K to beyond graduation was phenomenal,” Superintendent Marc Feurbach told the Cartersville newspaper.

"Her priorities were always the students and employees,” said retired Superintendent Howard Hinesley. “It was not uncommon for her to give me money and ask that I take care of a student's need without anyone ever knowing.”

Benton is survived by her husband, Jerry Dean Benton Jr., as well as two sons, one daughter, four sisters, and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Arrangements for a family graveside service currently are being made, according to The Daily Tribune News. A celebration of Benton's life is planned for when Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church reopens.