Mary Aileen Benfield, 91, of Statesville, N.C., passed away August 15, 2021.

She was born March 24, 1930, in Iredell County, N.C., the daughter of the late Earl Lee Benfield and Kate Jane Josey Benfield. She was also preceded in death by her fiancé, Bill Hopper; brother, Robert Benfield; and sister, Nancy Laney.

Mary enjoyed spending time in her garden and loved her flowers. She was a devoted and compassionate caregiver and was known to watch children for the parents in her neighborhood. She also cared for numerous family members until their passing. Mary enjoyed card nights with friends on Saturday nights where they gathered every week for games of Canasta.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Tony Potts and wife Elizabeth; daughter, Sissy Shew and husband Roger; grandchildren, Kevin Potts, Stacy Jane Balwin, and Wesley Shew (Tina); great grandchildren, Alec Balwin, Ryan Balwin, Kole Balwin, Lillian Shew and Sayde Shew; and numerous other loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville with Pastor Darren Johnson officiating.

Nicholson Funeral Home is assisting the family.