Barbara Quick Benson, 91, passed away from pulmonary edema on August 31, 2016 at Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC. She had been living at The Crossings since 2015, where she moved from her long-time residence on Kipling Drive. She was the devoted wife of businessman and civic leader, Herbert L. Benson Jr., who predeceased her in 2014 after 42 years of marriage.

Barbara was loved by many for her exceptional kindness and thoughtfulness, offering welcoming hospitality to the many visitors in their home and concern for those who confided their troubles. One of her favorite expressions was, "This too shall pass."

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Blanding Street in Columbia. She was also a former volunteer at Baptist Hospital and member of The Home Arts Club.
Barbara Benson was born in Sanford, North Carolina, on February 6, 1925, to Wilson and Helen (Barnes) Quick. She graduated from Sanford High School and attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia and the University of South Carolina where she coincidentally met Herbert Benson whom she would marry years later after the death of her first husband, Joe B. Long Jr. She had been a member of the sorority Chi Omega.

During the 25 years of her first marriage to the late Mr. Long, she lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston and Dallas, Texas. She had three children by this marriage.
After Mr. Long passed away, she corresponded with some former college classmates, including Mr. Benson who was previously divorced. Mr. Benson came to Texas courting her, and they eventually married in 1972. Barbara then moved to Columbia and into Mr. Benson's wide circle of friends and relatives.

Barbara Benson leaves behind her devoted children and their spouses, Paul and Kim Long of Michigan, Joe Long and Paul Mugnier of California, and Diane Long Smith of Columbia; as well as three stepdaughters, Cynthia Benson Clarke of Columbia, Frieda Benson Grimball of Norfolk, Virginia and Sara Benson of Chicago. She also leaves behind four beloved grandsons, Matthew Steven Eagle, Bryan Douglas Eagle, Carter Maxwell Long and Christian Palmer Long as well as six step-grandchildren. She has a brother, Wilson Quick Jr., of Aromas, California.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:00, with reception to follow. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to St. Paul's Church, 1715 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201 or Leeza's Care Connection at the Michael J. and Mary Meech Mungo Home, 210 St. Andrew's Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.