Emma Jean Benton McInnis, 83, departed this life for her heavenly home on Friday, June 10, 2022 following a period of declining health.
Surviving are her children, Mac McInnis (Crystal) of Laurinburg and Maggie McInnis Wells (Chip) of Laurinburg; grandchildren, Hunter McInnis of Laurinburg, Emma Wells of Greenville, NC and Tripp Wells of Laurinburg; sisters, Carolyn Benton McClure of Charlotte, NC and Margaret Benton LeNeave (Greg) of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law, Miriam McInnis Bounds (Charles) of Laurinburg; and loving nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Emma was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson Benton and Lucille Webb Benton. She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Horace Bertram “Bill” McInnis.
Emma was born in Laurinburg, NC on August 4, 1938. She graduated from Laurinburg High School in 1956 and represented the community as Miss Laurinburg 1955-56. In 1959, she graduated from Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nursing returning to Laurinburg to work as a pediatric and emergency room nurse at Scotland Memorial Hospital and in the family practice of Dr. David A. Williams. For 17 years, she was the co-owner, manager and designer of Carolina Cross Stitch Incorporated, a wholesale counted cross stitch business that served accounts throughout the United States and into London and Australia. She ended her professional career as the Volunteer Coordinator for Scotland Regional Hospice, living out her God given gift of caring for others.
Emma lived her life with justice, kindness and humility. She was devoted to family, friends and community. She served on the Board of Trustees for Scotland Memorial Hospital, the Edwin Morgan Center, Scotland Regional Hospice and also on the Scotland Memorial Hospital Ethics Committee. Coordinating the Scotland Regional Hospice Annual Golf Tournament became her passion. In 2021, she was honored by the creation and presentation of the first, Emma McInnis Award for Exceptional Volunteer Service. Through this award her spirit will always be a part of the tournament magic she helped to create. As a member of the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, she faithfully served on numerous church committees, the Board of Deacons, the Session, and the Chancel Guild. She was honored by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church with the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership and recognized as an Elder Emeritus.
Emma’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church Service with visitation following the service in the church fellowship hall.
The Family humbly appreciates the prayerful support of family and friends during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Scotland Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 1033, 610 Lauchwood Drive, Laurinburg, NC 28352.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Emma Benton McInnis, please visit our floral store.