Beverly Benton, longtime resident of Tampa, passed away in her home on April 3rd, 2024 after succumbing to an extended illness. An exceptional artist, she worked primarily in human figure studies using charcoal and acrylic paint mediums. She also enjoyed home renovation and was always either working on or planning a renovation project.

Beverly was an energetic, curious and funny child who loved drawing (and riding) horses. She was an excellent swimmer and diver, serving as a lifeguard for some time at a local swimming pool in Jackson MS. She completed her primary and secondary education and attended Millsaps College in Jackson before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

Beverly Ann Benton was born in Cleveland MS, the first child of James Terrell Benton, an Agricultural Engineer and Lila R. Benton, a Dietician. She spent most of her childhood in Columbus MS before moving with her family to Jackson. She lived in Austin TX for a few years before moving to Tampa with her partner in 1991.

Although they separated after seven years in 1995, Beverly remained close friends with her partner, Sheila Lincks, of St. Petersburg FL, Sheila's daughter, Lana Lincks, and Lana's children - Makayla, Briana, and Eva until her passing.

Beverly is survived by her brother, James Michael Benton, of Decatur Georgia.