Obituary - OPAL CLAIRE BENSON

Opal Benson, age 95, of Winter Park, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, two weeks shy of her 96 birthday. She was a daughter of the late A.E. and Mary Alice Lowe Wilson, of Sarasota, and was born on Jan. 21, 1922. An accomplished and talented pianist, Opal graduated from Florida Southern University with a music major. She was married to the late Morrie Benson for 57 years when he passed away in 2002. For over 30 years Opal and her family traveled the world with her husband as an Air Force wife. While on many of the bases where they were stationed, Opal played the piano and was the director of the women’s choir. In 1969, following Morrie’s retirement, they relocated to Winter Park and joined the Congregation of Reform Judaism. At the same time, Opal became the music teacher at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School for over a dozen years. Listed in Who’s Who, she was also a patron of the arts in Central Florida for more than 40 years.

Opal is survived by her children, Boyd Lee Benson of Winter Park and Barbara Ann (William C.) Weaver of Orlando; and her grandson, Alexander M. Benson. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Gunn of Brandon.

A funeral service was held at Congregation of Reform Judaism with Rabbi Steven W. Engel and Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer officiating. Interment followed at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park. In memory of Opal Claire Benson, the family requests contributions to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810. 407-599-1180.