Obituary of Sheila P. Benson-Jones

Sheila Patricia Benson Jones was born July 27,1947 in Wilmington, DE to Robert L.
Benson and Flora Martin- Benson. She departed this season of her life on Tuesday, November
12, 2019 at home in Wilmington, DE.

Sheila received her early education from Pyle Elementary and Bancroft Junior High School. She
received her G.E.D. at James Grove and went on to graduate with a degree in Elementary
Education at Delaware State College. Sheila worked in the public schools of Wilmington,
starting as an aide and Paraprofessional until she completed her degree and then became a
teacher with the area four district after desegregation. Sheila then worked at Silverside
Elementary and George Gray until she left to go back to the Headstart Program. She was and
exceptional educator that was loved by her co-workers, students, and parents until her illness in
1997.

Sheila was preceded in death by her husband, Marshman “Mark” Jones, daughter Theresa
Jones, parents Robert and Flora Benson, brothers, Robert L. Anderson, Clark Benson, Michael
Benson, Carlton “Louis” Benson, great-grand parents, Robert and Laura Martin, grandmother,
Mary Smith.

Sheila is survived by her children, Mark Smith, Shawn Benson (Michelle), Brett “Tony” Jones,
Marla Jones, Antha Jones-Tiller (Louis), with whom she lived. Mother in-law, Antha N. Jones,
Remaining siblings, Blair Benson, Sandra Stith (Harold), Bruce Benson (Sheila), Kirk Benson
(Classie), and Deborah Benson (Pete). Brother in-law Phillip Jones, Sister in-Law Lynda Staats,
Adopted sisters, Sharon Brisco, Barbara Jean Hynson, Lois Mitchell, and Rosalin Smith. Best friend Barbara
Drumgo-Brown. grand children Taylia Benson, Shawn Benson, Brittany Martin (Jermaine),
Jaquan Jones, Quanyae Jones, Derrick Smith, Marshae Daly, Tonisha Murray, Shaheim
Hayman, Mashon Tiller, Jaymir Wilson

Sheila was an excellent cook who also loved baking. Nobody could make a sweet potato or
carrot cake like her. She baked them, Mark sold them, and the rest of the family bragged and
marketed them as well. She loved spending time with family and exemplified the meaning of a
true and loyal friend. Any chance she had, she went fishing with Mark, which she also enjoyed
and boasted when she caught the biggest or most fish. When she wasn’t with family and
friends, you can best believe she was probably being a babysitter/caregiver and loved them all
as if they were her own. Yes, they would get disciplined Sheila’s way too, if needed. Traveling
to Nantucket during her summer breaks to care for the Dupont-Bollin family was something she
not only loved, but took great pride in. Lastly, Sheila loved dancing. We could probably be
certain that now she’s reunited with Mark, she’s up there doing that mean Cha Cha that
everyone loved to watch.