LaVonda Ann Benson

Celebrating the life of LaVonda Ann Benson, who was born on November 25, 1968, in Union City, Tennessee, and who peacefully entered her eternal rest on July 4, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. LaVonda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and a cherished member of her community.

LaVonda was a proud graduate of Ridgecrest High School, class of 1987. She married the love of her life, Bruce Benson, on October 15, 1988, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and joy. Her educational journey began at Crowley's Ridge College and continued at Arkansas State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Education.

A life-long educator, LaVonda dedicated 19 years to serving as a teacher in the public school system, impacting the lives of many through her work at Kennett Public Schools, Greene County Tech, and Rector School District. LaVonda specialized in Resource, Special Education, and Home Economics. Even after her retirement, she remained committed to education as a contracted homeschool teacher and occasionally took on substitute teaching roles Crowley's Ridge Academy.

In addition to her passion for teaching, LaVonda was an active and dedicated member of Hillcrest Church of Christ, where she taught Bible classes and served on the ladies' ministry team. She also began a meaningful prison ministry at the McPherson Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Newport, where she served as Assistant Chaplain and imparted wisdom through her Bible teachings.

LaVonda's creative spirit shone through in her love for crafting. Whether she was crafting, shopping for supplies at stores like Dollar Tree or Hobby Lobby, or hunting for the next great bargain for her projects, she embraced her creativity with enthusiasm and joy.

LaVonda is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Bruce Benson; her adoring mother, Linda Hurst; daughters, Chelsea (Kyle) Faught, Breanna (James) Dixon, and Madison (Blake) Chandler; grandson, James Howard Dixon IV; granddaughters, Jennavieve "Vivi" Dixon and Benson "Beni Beth" Faught; granddogs, Dandelion California "Dani Girl" Faught and Maverick Goose Chandler; brother, Billy (Lennie) Hurst; mother-in-law, Betty Benson; niece, Farra Risinger; great nephews, Will (Kristen) Risinger and Rossy Joe Risinger; great-great niece, Clara Beth Risinger; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph "Joe" Hurst; niece, Sarah Elizabeth Hurst; and father-in-law, Bill Benson.

She will be dearly missed but her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to education and ministry will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Friends and family are invited to honor LaVonda's life and legacy during upcoming services. A visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 1:30-3 PM. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM with Gary Cremeens officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Clayton, Bill Pangborn, Johnny McMinn, Keith Simpson, Kevin Simpson, and Tony Simpson. In honor of LaVonda, please send memorials to Hillcrest Church of Christ, 7208 W. Kingshighway, Paragould, AR 72450.

In celebrating LaVonda's life, let us remember her unwavering spirit and the love she so freely shared with others.

The family requests bright colors to be worn to honor LaVonda's bright and vivacious spirit.