Paula Virginia (Schmidt) Benton

Beloved wife of John William Benton. Devoted mother of Paula "Denise" Walters (husband- Doug), Kathryn Benton, Krista Benton, John Benton III, David Benton (wife- Lisa) and the late Melissa Anne Benton. Loving sister of William H. Schmidt (wife -Joan) and Ronald E. Schmidt (wife- Theresa). Dear grandmother of: Jessica Walters Rogers, Sara Davis, Amanda Davis, Alex Walters, Harrison Brownley, Erin Benton, Abbey Brownley, David (Eric) Benton II, Chrissy Benton, Kaede-Ray Benton, Great grandmother of Nathan Markley. Also survived by Terry Brownley. Preceded in death by Uncle William R. Gilley and her mother Virginia E. Schmidt.

Paula was born in Baltimore, MD and graduated from Southern High School.  She was married John W. Benton Jr. for 65 years. Loving mother of six children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  She spent most of her career in the healthcare field as a nurse.  In addition, she earned the EMT certification with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD).  She also participated in the Simulated Aircraft Disaster Instructional Exercise (SAIDE), the first of its kind in the country, for the Maryland Aviation Administration at BWI airport.

Paula was active in the Ladies Auxilary at the local level serving several terms as President and Vice-President of AVFD as well as the Baltimore County Volunteer Fireman’s Association where she also served a term as its President and was recognized for her contributions with induction into their Hall of Fame in 2005.

Paula spent many years involved in activities on or around the water including sailing, sitting on the shore watching boaters and observing wild life.  Hobbies included crafts and knitting booties, scarves and blankets for new born babies.   This is a great loss to her loving family.