Estelle W Benson, 85, went to be with our Lord on January 24 2014. Estelle was born into a family of 13 children. She was an adventurous young girl and left her birthplace, Bad Ridge Virginia, to make a better life for herself. Estelle believed that hard work and honesty would reap her great benefits. She became a dedicated and persevering business woman and owned and over saw several businesses during her lifetime. A construction business in Riverside CA, an auction business in Leesburg FL, and she owned and operated Estelle’s Country Kitchen restaurant in Lady Lake FL for over 20 years. Most recently, 12 years ago along with her husband Earl, she purchased the failing Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale FL. Because of her love of music, this not only became a most popular country music venue, but she was able to save the jobs of approximately 12 musicians, singers and staff.
Read more about her years with the Orange Blossom Opry at:
http://villages-news.com/grand-lady-weirsdales-orange-blossom-opry-dead-85/
Estelle’s kind heart was always open to help the less fortunate and she would never turn down a request for help. She will be greatly missed by her many friends, acquaintances and business associates. Estelle is survived by her loving husband Earl of Summerfield FL, three sons, Harold (Charlotte) Bullhead City AZ, Eric (Kellie) of Tavares FL, and Brian of Summerfield FL. She also leaves behind her most cherished four grandchildren, Tracy, Cody, Cree, and Melodie and one great grandson, Tyler. Sisters Josephine Bryant of Coeburn VA, Ruby Stanley of Caney Ridge VA, Jacqueline Flemming of Clintwood VA and many nephews and nieces.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale FL on January 28, 2014, Tuesday evening at 7 PM. A private interment will take place at Lady Lake Cemetery, Lady Lake, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, 300 S. Canal St., Leesburg, Fl 34748 or for credit card donations, phone the Center at 352-323-8303 or go to webpage: www.cac4kids.org
Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com
Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake/The Villages, FL in charge of arrangements.
