ALICE BENSON

August 2, 1935 to August 15, 2020

She relished life

Alice Benson—a doting mom, excellent cook, and enthusiastic sports fan—passed away from a rare form of liver cancer on Saturday, Aug. 15^th, in Goodyear, Arizona, her children at her side.

She was 85.

Frosted brown hair framing a gorgeous face in her younger days (as shown above), Alice relished life and never wasted a precious second. Whether diving into a swimming pool, preparing a gourmet dinner, or playing den mother to her two sons’ Boy Scout troops, she did it with flair and enthusiasm.

The first of five children, Alice was born Aug. 2, 1935 in Albany, New York to Theresa Rock Smythe and Francis Smythe. There followed two sisters Pat and Cathy, and two brothers, Jimmy and Allan.

The Love of her life

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ANNIE EVELYN SAMPSON

November 18, 1947 to May 13, 2020

A Woman of Faith and Virtue

Reverend Evangelist Mother Annie Evelyn Sampson—a woman who devoted her life to family, serving others, and God—succumbed to pancreatic cancer at home in Georgia on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, her beloved family at her side. She was 72.

Much like her biblical heroes, Annie acquired superlative strength and wisdom when it came to inspiring others. Whether family, friends, or those who knew her as “the fireball preacher”, she could always be heard, encouraging others to “Tell the Lord Thank You!”

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SGT. MAJ. FRANK MARTINEZ FORONDA (RET.)

January 24, 1938 – January 7, 2017

By Katharine Blossom Lowrie

A U.S. Army Hero

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Even though I wrote this some time ago, I wanted to pay tribute to Frank Foronda, a true hero.]

Frank Martinez Foronda, Sgt. Maj. (Ret.), a passionate spokesman for veterans’ issues and recipient of the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, died peacefully at home in Little River, South Carolina on January 7, 2017, his adored wife, Ila Jean (“I.J.”) Hurley, by his side.

In an illustrious U.S. Army career that spanned 30 years, Foronda—who will be buried with full military honors at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery in Whiteville, North Carolina—served multiple tours of duty all over the world, including three in Vietnam.

He was awarded the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery in Vietnam when, on March 20^th, 1970, he pulled wounded U.S. soldiers to safety after their firebase was overrun with Viet Cong. Foronda and his unit retook the area the next morning.

He rose above racial differences

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