Linda Marie Benson was born on June 20, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Charity Hospital, to the late Virginia Campbell Womble and Willie Lee Cook. At the age of eight, she was lovingly raised by her devoted stepfather, the late Philip R. Womble, Sr., who helped guide and shape her life. She peacefully transitioned to her eternal resting place on February 21, 2026.

Linda was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was educated in the New Orleans Public School System. She graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School, earning her high school diploma along with her Cosmetology Technical Certificate and License. Linda was always proud to say that she and her siblings grew up in the Calliope Projects, a foundation that kept her humble, grounded, and strong.

Linda Married the love of her life, Jerone Earl Benson, Sr., and together they built a loving family. Through their holy matrimony, they were blessed to produce their children, Kalaina Marie Benson and Jerone Earl Benson, Jr. Linda and Jerone Sr. also lovingly raised her eldest son, Damon Campbell. The family resided at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before returning home to 3431 Clara Street in New Orleans, where they created a lifetime of cherished memories prior to their separation. Linda was a pioneer and dedicated worker.

She became one of the first African American female security guards at Mercy Hospital, later transferring to Southern Baptist Hospital on Napoleon Avenue. She then devoted over 20 years of service to the Hilton Hotel on Poydras Street before retiring in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Linda later returned to work at Tulane University, where she retired again in 2016, proudly witnessing that same year her daughter earn her Master's Degree.

Linda leaves to cherish her loving memories: Her daughter, Kalaina Marie Benson-Connor (Raymond Connor Jr.), New Orleans, Louisiana; Her son, Damon Campbell; New Orleans, Louisiana; Her grandchildren, Aliah M. Benson, Madison, Mississippi, Cashmir Connor, Anthony Gregory Benson, Detroit Michigan, New Orleans, Louisiana, J'Renee L. Cooper, New Orleans, Louisiana, Derrick Y. Benson (Karen), Madison, Mississippi, Brad Coleman (Valeriear Coleman), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Damon Coleman, Dallas, Texas, Isaiah Lewis, New Orleans, Louisiana, Anthony Red-Bean Lewis, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Kevontae Lewis, New Orleans, Louisiana, Her siblings, Joann Florent Powell, New Orleans, Louisiana, Thelma Marie Walker, Ohio, Lavondra Vernon (Shane Lee), Killeen, Texas, Shawanda R. Lee, Spring, Texas, and Phyllis A. Mason, Denton, Texas. She also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by: Her Mother, Virginia Campbell Womble; Her father, Willie Cook Campbell; Her stepfather, Philip R. Womble, Sr.; Her son Jerone Earl Benson, Jr.; Her brothers, Willie Campbell and Philip R. Womble, Jr.; Her grandmother, Wilhelmina Brown Campbell; and her grandfather, McKinley Campbell Sr. Linda Marie Benson was a woman of strength, faith, and unwavering love. Her life was a testament to perseverance, family, and grace. Her legacy will live on forever through those she loved and those who loved her. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday March 6, 2026 at Israel Baptist Church, 2826 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, La. 70113 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. service time. Rev. Malcolm Bacchus (Pastor) officiating. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery, 8200 Airline Drive, Metairie, La. 70003. Arrangement Entrusted To Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc. 2715 Danneel Street, New Orleans, LA 70113Information: (504) 895-4903.

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