Brown McClay Funeral Homes

Vergennes & Bristol, Vermont

Brown Mcclay Funeral Homes

Anna Mae (Shields) Benton

Anna Mae (Shields) Benton, 90, peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 3, 2021 with family by her side.  Born on June 21,1931 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Anna Mae was the second of seven children born to Virgil and Agnes (Wilson) Shields. 

Anna Mae graduated from Peacham Academy and attended Moody Bible Institute for a year.  She then entered into Nursing Training for three years at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Chicago.  After receiving her RN degree, she worked in the CCU and OB departments at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury.  She helped make the move from Brightlook Hospital to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital when they opened, continuing to work in the OB unit.  Anna Mae often used her vacation time in the summer to be a camp nurse and cook at Days of Decision.  One of the highlights of her career was the time she spent on the mission field in Haiti, at the House of Hope

On September 29, 1973, Anna Mae married Medwin “Med” A. Benton and they lived in Liberty, New York where she continued her work in the OB department at Loomis Hospital until it closed.  She then worked in a long-term care facility there.  Med and Anna Mae retired to Cody, Wyoming, where she continued to work as Director of Nurses at a long-term care facility there.  Med and Anna Mae resided in Cody until his passing on July 27, 2007.  After Med’s death, Anna Mae moved back to Vermont and settled in at her home at High Manor Park in Waltham, VT.

Having trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age, Anna Mae’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was the most important part her life.  Her love for Christ and faithful walk with the Lord was evident in all facets of her life, and especially being a steadfast prayer warrior for missionaries, family members, friends and beyond.  Her desire was that all will put their faith in Christ and be assured of eternal life with the Lord. 

In addition to her husband, Anna Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Agnes Shields, five brothers, Paul Shields, Wilson Shields, John Shields, Arthur Shields, Kenneth Shields, sisters-in-law, Arlene Shields, Evelyn Shields and Ruth (Shields) Tessari, stepdaughter Sheila Benton and stepson Medwin A. Benton Jr.

Anna Mae is survived by her sister Martha (husband David) McConnell, two sisters-in-law, Carol Shields and Marlene Shields, two stepsons, Curtis Benton and Barth Benton (and their wives), six step-grandchildren, five step-great grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Victory Baptist Church, 862 U.S. Route 7, Vergennes, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, Anna Mae’s wishes were for memorial donations to be given to Les Fredick Ministries, 30706 W. Lona Valley RD, Kinta, OK 74552 OR to Missionaries supported by Victory Baptist Church, 862 U.S. Route 7, Vergennes, VT  05491,

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester for the love, support and excellent care given to Anna Mae during her last days.

Brown-McClay Funeral Homes, Inc. in Vergennes is assisting the family with arrangements.

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