Rosalyn Ryals

Benson, NC:  Mrs. Rosalyn Harris Ryals, age 95, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 8, 2018. A Celebration of her Life will be 11:00 am Tuesday at the Benson United Methodist Church. Rev. Al Hocutt will officiate. Burial will follow in Benson City Cemetery.             Rosalyn was born May 9, 1923 in Warren County to the late Robert I. Harris and Myrtle Wemyss Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband Preston B. Ryals; brothers, Robert A. Harris and Elmer Harris; and sister, Vivian Phares.             Rosalyn graduated from East Carolina Teacher’s College and after teaching a short time in Beulaville, NC,  came to Benson to teach at Benson Elementary. She soon met the love of her life and married Preston Ryals in 1954. Rosalyn taught first grade for 37 years and retired in 1983. One of the greatest joys of her life was for her to see one of her former students. She attended Bible Study Fellowship in Smithfield for more than 10 years. She loved her church, Benson United Methodist Church, and Monday morning Sharing Group. Her ministry was sending cards for her Sunday School class and Sharing Group. She was happiest when spending time with friends and family.             Surviving are children, Marsha Turner and husband, JT, of Benson, Jerre Hunt and husband, Eddie, of Fleming Island, FL and Robert Ryals and wife, Beth, of Raleigh; grandchildren, Michael Turner, Chris Turner, Cameron Hunt and wife, Taryn, Adam Hunt, Meredith Hunt, Jake Ryals and Jenna Ryals; and brother, Willard Harris of Cary.             The family will receive friends at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson from 6:00-8:00 pm Monday.             Memorials may be made to the Benson United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 72, Benson, NC  27504 or to the Benson Ministerial Association for Backpack Buddies, c/o Benson United Methodist Church.