Iva Lee Benson Gainey

Benson, NC: Mrs. Iva Lee Benson Gainey, age 98, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021 at Harnett Wood’s Nursing Home in Dunn. Funeral Services will be held 3:00PM Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the Benson United Methodist Church in Benson. Rev. Billy Olsen will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson.

Mrs. Gainey was born on May 9, 1923 in Johnston County to the late Charlie and Melvina Tew Benson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Young Gainey; grandsons, David Scott Hudson and Steven Brent Hudson; sister, Madie Benson Guin and Vennie Hargis. Mrs. Gainey worked at the Benson Shirt Factory and in the cafeteria of the Benson Primary School in her early years. She was the oldest member of the Benson United Methodist Church. Mrs. Gainey was the last remaining true daughter of a confederate soldier in North Carolina and possibly the United States.

A brief history of Iva Lee’s father, Charles Harvey Benson (1844-1929), Civil War veteran, quoted from a 2016 Johnston County Heritage Center article: “After his [first] wife died in 1911, Mr. Benson raised more than a few eyebrows in southern Johnston County by courting and marrying [Iva Lee’s mother] Melvina Tew. He was 68 years old and she was 27. In due time, two little girls were born to the couple, Lou Madie (Guin) and Iva Lee (Gainey).” Iva Lee Gainey was celebrated in August of 2016 as one of only ten surviving “Real daughters of the Confederacy” in the United States. At the time of this printing in 2021, it is not known how many of those ten survivors may still be living.

Surviving are her daughters, Anita A. Hudson of Benson, Teresa G. and Dr. Max Raynor of Benson; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; niece, Wanda Blackmon of Kenly.

Family will receive friends at the Benson United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 2:00PM to 2:45PM and other times at the home of Teresa and Dr. Max Raynor, 476 Dogeye Road Benson, NC 27504.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Benson United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 72 Benson, NC 27504 or the Methodist Orphanage, 1041 Washington Street Raleigh, NC 27605.

In accordance with NC-COVID19 guidelines, the funeral home suggests practicing social distancing guidelines and the three W’s: wait, wash, and wear a face covering. Face coverings are not required, but are kindly recommended for all services

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.roseandgraham.com
Arrangement by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson.