Heather Benefield

Heather Benefield – 41 of Lakeland, FL gained her angel wings Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at her residence. She was born in Valdosta, GA on February 9, 1979. Heather graduated from Valwood in 1997 and continued her education at Valdosta State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Following graduation, she began working with GEICO where her career would greatly excel. She worked with GEICO for over 18 years. Her work ethic and passion for the job lead her to become a leading trainer for GEICO. She was very instrumental in writing the handbook for training new employees. She strived every day to push herself and her coworkers to the next level. She gave her employees the tools to develop confidence for personal growth and success. Heather had a deep passion for photography especially photos of nature. She loved to live her life outside of the box. She loved things that were new and exciting and different. She was sunshine, a soul as free as the wind and with a heart as big as the ocean. Heather was a best friend to many people, especially her daughter Courtney- 21. Her other best friend was “Kisses”, a chihuahua who she treated like her own child. Heather was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Myrtle Adams and Chester Moore and paternal grandparents, Riley Vernon and Allie May Benefield.
Survivors Include: Daughter: Courtney Jenkins, Lakeland, FL; Mother: Linda O’Connell (Rick), Cincinnati, OH; Father: Jimmy Benefield (Sue), Lakeland, GA; Sister: Letitia Benefield, Lakeland, GA; Niece: Coral Radney, Lakeland, GA; Courtney’s Father: Brutus Jenkins, Lakeland, FL; Aunts & Uncles: Vera Peters, Ray City, GA; Buddy Benefield, Lakeland, GA, Deloras and Ronnie Courson, Lakeland, GA, Jan and Larry Moore, Lakeland, GA, Patricia Stapleton, New Bern, NC and a number of cousins.
A celebration of Heather’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 16, 2020 in the Lakeland United Methodist Church. A private family graveside will be held at Burnt Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, March 15 at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . In lieu of sending flowers you may donate to the national Multiple sclerosis society in memory of Heather https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate.The Benefield family is being cared for by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services, Lakeland.