Cecelia Elizabeth Benton was born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Frank L. Sturgis,Sr. and Mrs. Rosa Mae English Sturgis on May 6, 1949. She attended the local schools of Duval County, graduating from New Stanton Senior High School-Class of 1967. Furthering her education, she earned certification as a Dental Assistant.
Early in life, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a communicant of the Catholic faith. At the time of her demise, she was a member of Resurrection Episcopal Church, under the pastorate of The Reverend Carrie R. English, Rector.
On August 4, 1973, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Wilbur Benton and together they were blessed to raise three children. She began her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield (now Florida Blue), where she remained, advancing to Adminstrator/Manager until retiring after rendering thirty-three years of dedicated service. Of Cecelia's many interests, she loved reading and computer M&M Characters.
Mrs. Cecelia Elizabeth Sturgis Benton departed this life on October 8, 2023. She was preceeded in death by her parents; brother, Jeffrey English; and sister, Ms. Francess Williams. She leaves a loving and devoted family, including her husband of fifty years, Wilbur Benton; children, Ms. Traci Sturgis King, Ms. Rose "Toni" Sturgis Hendeson and Tyrone Benton(Michelle); 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Ms. Vannette Sturgis; brothers, Frank L. Sturgis, Jr. and Joseph Sturgis; brother-in-law, Willie Lee Benton(Barbara); sisters -in-law, Mable Carter(Jerome) and Patricia Benton; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.