Patricia B. Benson

Patricia “Pat” Binneveld Benson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on July 18, 2025. She died after a courageous six year battle with Alzheimer's disease. A longtime resident of Columbus, Georgia, she was 77 years old.

Born in New York City, NY, and raised in Leesburg, FL, Pat met the love of her life, Brown Benson, at the University of Georgia. They were married in 1969 and made Columbus their home. Pat began her career as a 5th grade Social Studies teacher for Muscogee County Schools at Tillinghurst Elementary School and later at Georgetown Elementary until 1973, when she chose to become a full-time mother to her daughters, Ellen and Claire.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a beloved member of her community. She had a deep love for flowers, Georgia football, and most of all, her four granddaughters, whom she cherished more than anything.

Pat worked side by side with her husband at their family business, Chandler’s Pharmacy, where her warm smile and welcoming presence became a staple of the Columbus community. She was a proud alumnus of The University of Georgia and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She was also an active member of the Lemon Tree Garden Club. Her talent and passion for floral design were well known, especially through her beautiful arrangements at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Geoffrey Herman Binneveld and Ellen Whitt Binneveld. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Brown Benson; her daughters, Ellen Stewart (Andy) of Gainesville, GA, and Claire Ouimet (Jason) of West Springfield, VA; and her four cherished granddaughters, Elizabeth and Emily Stewart, and Grace and Katherine Ouimet. She is also survived by her brothers, Jeff Binneveld (Bonnie), Bill Binneveld (Becky), sister-in-law Joanne Rogers, and brother-in-law Sims Benson Sr. (Burgin). She will be missed by her many dear nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express deep appreciation for all of the care and love shown by Ms. Karen Love over the past seven months.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00AM at Trinity Episcopal Church. Burial will follow in Buena Vista Cemetery in Buena Vista, GA. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM at Way-Watson Funeral Home in Buena Vista, GA.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Kappa Alpha Theta Think Theta Building Fund in memory of Pat Binneveld Benson of the 1967 class. Donations payable to: Gamma Delta Facility Corporation Board, Memo: Gamma Delta Building Fund, Mail To: Kappa Alpha Theta-UGA, Payment Processing, P.O. Box 2187, Columbus, GA 31902-2187, Online Donations: https://thinktheta.causevox.com/ or to Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation, 1052 Tuscany Dr., Trinity, FL, 34655.

Way-Watson Funeral Home, 1052 Dr. Deryl Hart Road, Buena Vista, Georgia has been entrusted with these arrangements.