January 5, 2022, 75, Pikeville –

Sarah Benton Hales, 75, of Pikeville went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 7, 2022 from 6 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. following by a celebration of life service at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  The family requests those in attendance, please wear a mask for all services.

Mrs. Hales was born in Wayne County on January 28, 1946 to the late Johnnie R. and Bernice Frances Lane Benton.  She was a faithful member of Pinkney Baptist Church where she served in various capacities including, supper committee, teaching the Kindergarten class and where ever she was needed.  Mrs. Hales was retired from the Wayne County Public School system having worked at Pikeville School and later at Northwest Elementary School. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Clifton Earl Hales; one son, James Allen Hales and wife, Mandy of Fremont; one daughter, Michelle Futch of Mount Olive; one brother, Billy Ray Benton and wife, Joyce of Fremont; one sister-in-law, Mary Benton of Pikeville; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hales was preceded in death by her brother, Shelton Benton and her son-in-law, Steve Futch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.