Barbara Crawford Allard Benson

Barbara Crawford Allard Benson, born on October 21, 1938, bid farewell to this world on October 28, 2023, at the age of 85. She was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it is also where she gracefully departed.

Barbara led a life filled with compassion and dedication. For 19 years, she was dedicated to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, first as a volunteer, touching countless lives with her warmth and kindness. Barbara was then hired by New Hanover Regional as a Nurse recruiter. Using her warm personality and familiarity with Wilmington, Barbara traveled around the country bringing talented nurses and other health care providers to New Hanover Regional.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Barbara had a deep love for nature and all its wonders. She loved the Mountains of North Carolina. Her favorite time there was the fall. She made many trips there in October throughout her life to see the fall colors, she called it Gods handywork. You could often find her in her yard, watching bluebirds flutter, and humming birds drink from the waterers that she and John had hung by the porch. Music and books were also sources of joy for her, and she was known to devour novels with an insatiable appetite.

Above all, Barbara cherished her faith, family, and friends. Her love for the Lord guided her every step, and she found solace in spending quality time with her loved ones. In her spare time, she would whip up delicious pecan pies, sprinkling a little bit of love into each mouthwatering bite.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Wade Thomas Crawford, and Helen Barnes Scruggs, as well as her first husband, James Laurence Allard, Sr., and her second husband, John Albert Benson, Jr. She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be cherished forever.

She will be dearly missed by her surviving family, including her son James Laurence Allard, Jr., and his wife Laura, and her daughter Kimberly Allard Whitman and her husband David, all from Castle Hayne, NC. She is also survived by two bonus daughters, Paige Benson Brown and her husband Sandy, and Belinda Benson, both from Wilmington, NC.

Barbara’s memory lives on through her six grandchildren: David E. Allard and his wife Nikki, J. Wade Allard and his wife Ashton, Davis L. Allard and his wife Amy, Travis K. Allard, and his wife Aly. Morgan Adaire Causey and her husband William Knovell Jones, and Alexa D. Causey.
She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, Christian Cox and his wife Rachel, Asia Imani Jones, Parker A. Allard, Charlotte James Allard, and Annalise T. Allard, as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Ryland Cox, and Miller A. Cox. Barbara’s three special pets, Poncho, Rosie, and Lilly Vira Jane were also dear companions in her life.

A celebration of Barbara’s extraordinary life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the Wilmington Funeral and Cremation Chapel. Join us as we honor her, her life and incredible legacy. The service will be officiated by an individual yet to be determined.

Barbara Crawford Allard Benson may have left this earthly realm, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy of love and kindness continues to inspire those left behind.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to K9’s for Warriors or your local animal rescue.

Following the service there will be a gathering of family and friends at the home of Buddy and Laura. 202 Eggert Ave, Castle Hayne NC, 28429 is the location of their home.

In the meantime, please join us in expressing your condolences and sharing your cherished memories by visiting our website www.wilmingtoncares.com.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, located at 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. The funeral home can be reached at 910-791-9099.