Edna Earl Lamb Benton, age 93, of Lumberton NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born on October 22, 1932, in Lumberton, NC to the late Randell Murdock Lamb and Annie Lee Tyler.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Johnnie Hayes and Joe Benton; two sons, Johnnie Wayne Hayes, and Curtis Mitchell "Mickey" Hayes; seven brothers, Rufus Lamb, Wadis Lamb, Marcus Lamb, Hollis Lamb, Buddy Lamb, Richard Lamb and Horace Lamb; sisters, Nora Lamb, Ruth Lamb, Rachel Brisson, Ruby Davis, Carol Spencer, Ernestine Green, Martha Singleton, Betty Isom, Dorothy Simmons and Vivian Greenwood.

Edna loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. One of her past times was watching game shows. We often joked with her that she should be a contestant. She enjoyed working in her yard and the garden. Nothing made her happier than working in the collard patch and no one could cook them like momma. If she was able today, she would still be on that lawn mower. More than anything she loved her church. She was a devoted Christian that loved to teach but most of all her passion was singing for the Lord!

Ms. Edna is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Hayes and Patricia Hinson (Earnie); eight grandchildren, Johnnie Hayes, Curtis Hayes, Jason Hayes, Jonathon Hayes, Waylon Lawhon, Emmy Lou Capps, Brandy Wyman, and Buddy Hinson; and 14 great grandchildren.

A special thank you to her caregivers of Caring Touch Homecare and Telisha Oxendine for her special care of our mother.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at East Lumberton Church of God at 100 Dresden Ave, Lumberton, NC 28358.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tim Lewis and Marvin Brisson officiating and special remarks by Brandy Wyman, at 100 Dresden Ave, Lumberton, NC 28358. Burial will follow at New Hollywood Cemetery in Lumberton, NC.