Ruby Jo Hallman Benson (Jo), 90, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2024. Jo was born on May 7, 1934 to Hubert and Loma Hallman in Ashland, Alabama. She was the third of eight siblings. She had four sisters, Edna Mae, Martha, Linda, and Betty and three brothers, Billy Ralph, Hubert Jr., and Larry. She and her siblings were raised on the Hallman family farm in Ashland. She was a proud graduate of the historic Clay County High School in southwest Ashland. While a student, Jo enjoyed being part of the band and was an active member of the 4-H Club and the Future Homemakers of America. After graduation, she worked at Southern Company Services as a secretary and executive assistant.
Jo developed a passion for gospel music and was a frequent fixture at gospel singings. In 1954, she met her groom-to-be, Harmon Troy Benson, at an All-Day Singing at the County Line Baptist Church in Clay County. Over lunch, Troy asked for her telephone number and two weeks later, he took her on their first date to the Lyric Theater in downtown Birmingham. Troy later proposed to Jo at Vulcan. They married June 8, 1957 at Rocky Mount Methodist Church in Jemison. They welcomed two daughters together, Kimberly Jo (Seale) and Candace Lora (White). Troy and Jo had a long and happy marriage of 57 years until Troy’s death in 2014. They were lifelong Birmingham residents.
After becoming a grandmother in 1986, Jo became lovingly known as “Mama Jo” to her grandchildren, their friends and future families. She was a skilled baker and was frequently found in the kitchen making family meals. The Benson home, built in 1957, has long been a meeting place for her loved ones. Many family holidays and birthdays were spent there; the dining room was always guaranteed to be full of delicious food, fellowship, laughter and love. Mama Jo was a strong believer in the power of sugar; she often served delicious desserts and always offered her great-grandchildren Blue Bell ice cream from her stand up freezer. She cherished spending time with her family.
Jo had a strong walk with the Lord. She was a lifetime member of Rocky Mount Methodist Church. Throughout her active membership, she served as the church secretary, sang as a soprano in the church choir and loved volunteering in the nursery on Sundays. She enjoyed listening to Troy play the organ and piano at church services and at home. She and Troy continued their love for gospel singings by frequently attending the annual state and county conventions together.
Jo was beloved by all who met her. It was impossible to be around her and not feel her kindness, warmth and joy. She had a heart of gold and was generous to so many in her life. When Jo talked to someone, she made them feel like the most important person in the world. She will be deeply missed and has made an indelible impact on her family and friends.
Ruby Jo Benson is survived by siblings Betty (Billy) Hicks, Hubert (Carol), and Larry (Diane); daughter Candace (Stewart) White; son-in-law Michael Seale; grandchildren Brandon (Bethany) Seale, Kayla Watson, Nathan Seale; great-grandchildren Angelina, Sadie and Emily Watson and Clara and Truman Seale. She is preceded in death by siblings Edna Mae Willis, Billy Ralph Hallman, Martha Bookout and Linda Walker; husband Troy Benson; daughter Kimberly Seale.
Wake and funeral services will be Friday, November 1, 2024 with visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124 with a service to follow in the chapel. A graveside service to follow in the adjoining cemetery.
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