May 24, 1947 — April 26, 2016

Shirley Lavon Benson, 68, of Dowagiac, passed away at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.

Shirley was born on May 24, 1947 to the late Stephen H. and Anna R. (Simpson) Ivey in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas. She married the love of her life, Michael Benson on Feb. 24, 1968, at a ceremony in Eau Claire, Michigan.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and time spent working in the yard and gardening. Shirley enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and friends during the summer and spoiling her dog Archie.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; Stephen H. and Anna R. Ivey; son, Joshua D. Benson; brothers, John E. Sullender and Donald W. Sullender.

She is survived by her husband of forty-eight years; Michael E. Benson; son, Michael E. (Stacey) Benson Jr.; grandchildren, Monique D. Williams, Ashton D. Benson and Aiden A. Benson; sisters, Barbara A. Fryman and Mary Ivey; brother, Steven Ivey.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016, with a time of gathering one hour prior at Brown Funeral Home; 521 E. Main St., Niles.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with her family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.