Mary Yvonne (Cleary) Benfield

Mary "Yvonne" Cleary Benfield, 82, of Kannapolis passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2021 .

A celebration of Yvonne's life will be held Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dennis Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Whitley's Funeral Home from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sunday before the service.

Yvonne was born on March 29, 1939 in Cabarrus Co., a daughter of the late C.W. and Ella Mae Bumgarner Cleary. In addition to her parents, Yvonne was preceded in death by 2 siblings; William and Shirley Cleary.

Yvonne was a lifelong area resident and graduate of A. L. Brown High School Class of '57. She then received her teaching certification from Appalachian Teachers College and taught fifth grade at McKnight and Woodrow Wilson Elementary Schools until she retired after 32 years of teaching. She loved reading, listening to gospel music, watching QVC and working the crossword puzzles. Most of all, Yvonne loved her family, especially her great grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother and Gemaw and will be deeply missed

Yvonne is survived by son Jeff Benfield (Jackie), daughter Janet Benfield and her brother Vernon Cleary (Sarah). Also survivng are her grandchildren; Ashley Berry (Matt), Shane Benfield (Sara) and Keith Benfield (Melissa) and her great-grandchildren are Makenna, Landyn and Kynslee Berry; Brantley and Haley Benfield and Ella-Mae Benfield.

Online condolences may be made to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com