Reflecting on the loss of two good friends

Recently, two of my friends died. Mourning their passing is different, as well as difficult, for their families and friends.

Georgia Marie Benfield, better known to the community as ‘Granny,’ was 95. She passed away Monday, May 17. Georgia was a long time fixture at Myrtle’s Place and was known to generations of children and adults as ‘granny.’

Georgia raised a family of five strong daughters and determined grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

The other friend, Marilyn Kay Destefano, 74, passed away Tuesday, April 27. Known to everyone as Kay, she was an only child of her late parents, Lester and Betty Jean (Sherman) Destefano. She is survived by several cousins and many friends.

We were not related by blood, but both women were a part of my extended family.

Granny’s family included me in events and made me feel welcome and a part of their group. Kay and I helped each other in ways others never knew. Years ago, if Kay needed someone to go to St. Louis doctors’ appointments, I’d go. I was going to a family funeral out of town by myself. Kay showed up and said she was taking me. If I needed someone to listen, she was there. We shared our dreams and hopes with each other over a glass of tea or a cup of coffee. She had many other friends who cared for her and did things with her. Everyone, in their own way, was an important part of her life.

Georgia and Kay were strong women who made their way in the world. They both would speak their mind and often said and did things to bring a smile to my heart. Oh, yes, they would also challenge me.

Families and friends are saying farewell to their earthly bodies, but their spirits will live on in our minds and hearts and keep sparking us to move forward with life.

Barbara Horton is a staff writer for the Daily American Republic and can be reached at bhorton.dar@gmail.com.