Bama Amberson Benefield, 91, of Piedmont died Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at Piedmont Health Care Center where she had been a resident since August 2002. Graveside services were conducted Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Highland Cemetery with Rev. Neale Lanigan, minister of the Carmel Church in Spring Garden, officiating. Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements. Grandsons and great-grandsons served as pallbearers.

Mrs. Benefield was born on February 12, 1919, the daughter of the late Ed and Effie Cobia of Cedar Bluff.

Survivors include two sons, Johnny Amberson (Faye) of Spring Garden and Billy Amberson (Bobbie) of Piedmont; one daughter, Ann Russell (Bobby) of Centre; five grandchildren, Kim Prater, Jamey Russell, Sabrina Butts, Jason Amberson and Amber Kitchens; 10 great-grandchildren, Jay Prater, Anna Russell, John Russell, Bryant Butts, Abbie Brewster, Will  Kitchens, Zachary Kitchens, Jaden Amberson, Jakeb Amberson and Madalyn Amberson and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Benefield was preceded in death by her husbands, John Burns Amberson and Hoyt Benefield; two brothers, Lanier Cobia and Harold Cobia; two sisters, Nathalee Adams and Cleviedale Butler and one great-grandson, Anthony Prater.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Piedmont Health Care  Center for their loving care and kindness.