Lurene Hardee Smith Benton: Loris

1929 – 2021

     Mrs. Lurene Hardee Smith Benton of Loris passed away on Thursday, Jan. 7, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center following an illness. She was 91.

     Mrs. Benton was born July 16, 1929 in Loris to the late William Jesse Hardee and the late Effie Prince Hardee.

     After the passing of her mother in 1931 she was raised by Simon F. and Mary Olga Todd. She lived each day showing her community, church family, friends and most of all her family, what the definition of being selfless really means. Her door was always open to everyone. If you stopped by for a visit, you would not leave hungry and you left knowing you were loved as well. Gardening was a labor of love that she enjoyed along with sharing what she had, from jarred pickles, a pot of butter beans & rice, to her famous strawberry shortcake. Her faith was strong, and her greatest accomplishment was her family whom she loved unconditionally.

     Survivors include her children, Nadine Cartrette (David Lee), Jesse Smith, Karen Cox (Allen), and Craig Smith; grandchildren Dwayne Cartrette (Angie), Gary Cartrette, Bridget Gore (Alex), Jarrod Smith, Heath Cox (Brooke), Brandi Schaffer (John); great-grandchildren Kayla O’Ferrell (Justin), Sherridan Parrott (Ben),

     Savannah Livingston (Justin), Justin Prince, Kirby Gore, Harley Smith, Briggs Cox, Aiden Schaffer, Brooklynn Webber, Camden Cox, Jakoby Schaffer, Colten Webber; and great-great-grandchildren Layton, Dawson, Claire, Deacon, and Laurie Grace.

     In addition to her parents, Mrs. Benton was predeceased by her two husbands, Tybea B. Smith and Willie Benton; and a son, Keith Smith.

     Graveside services were planned for 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Carter Cemetery with Pastor Donnie Graham and Rev. Wendell Ray officiating.

     A guest register is available here.