Lula Benafield

Lula Faye Benafield, Little Rock, AR age 79, 1940-2020

“Faye” was born in Childress, Texas, June 28, 1940 and died February 21, 2020 in Little Rock,  AR.

Faye’s family relocated from Childress to the south bay area of Los Angeles, CA when she was a child.  She was married in Los Angeles and had two daughters from her first marriage, Sherrill Miller and Geraldine “Joy” Miller; also grand children Wenona “Star” Miller-Lavin, Michael Peterson, Christopher Peterson and Chloe Miller; and seven great grandchildren.

Faye’s second marriage brought her from Los Angeles to Fayetteville, AR.  Faye had two sons from this marriage, Chad Chappell and David Chappell and grand children Carson Chappell, Holt Chappell and Andrew Chappell.

Faye’s third marriage, now back in California, yielded four beloved step children Greg Benafield, Jeff Benafield, Patrick Dirks and Alicia Benafield.  Faye’s marriage to Don Benafield also included raising grand children Star and Chloe.  During this 23 year marriage, Faye participated in many charitable endeavors in support of Valley Children’s Hospital, veteran’s organizations, and other non-profit organizations.

Faye brought beauty and light to the lives of her family and friends. Faye’s greatest passion other than her family was music.  She loved music and enjoyed being a muse for musician friends that became her extended family. Her last true love was Jay Spell.  After Jay’s death in 2010, Faye worked tirelessly to produce memorial services and concerts to celebrate Jay’s musical career; including nominating him and achieving his induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.  She relocated to Little Rock to be close to her son David after Jay’s passing.

Faye also loved to travel. She traveled all over the US and lived in multiple states.   She spent a year in Illinois with her grandson Michael connecting with his family, friends and her great grandson Ian.  She also spent a great deal of time in Hawaii with her sister Lena Caldwell, grand daughter Star and great grandsons.  But Faye never forgot her Texas roots either.  She would travel to Texas often to see her nieces and cousins still living there. And she spent time in Los Angeles, Memphis and Nashville with musical friends.

A memorial celebration of life will take place in her hometown of Redondo Beach, CA on her 80th birthday June 28th, 2020.  Please contact Sherri Miller  on  Facebook if you are planning to attend and need further information.  Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors, or American Cancer Society in memorial.

Family and friends are welcome to share a memory by clicking the button above.