Evelyn Mary Benson, 74, of Smithfield, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Otto Norman Nilssen and Evelyn Ione Russen; brothers, John Nilssen and Nils Nilssen; nephew, Erik Nilssen. She is survived by her sister, Estelle Forcelle; daughter, Nancy Owen (Tom); sons, Bruce O. Benson and Charles Benson; grandsons, Matthew Benson, Dylan Benson (Abi), Skyler Benson and Henry Owen; granddaughters, Kyra Benson and Ellen Owen; nephew, John Lyell Jr.; nieces, Denise Meyers, Kaari Nilssen and Heidi Nilssen, and estranged husband, Bruce H. Benson.

Evelyn grew up in Lewes, Dela., and by the courtesy of becoming a U.S. Navy spouse, lived in many places in the United States and abroad. Ultimately, the last station the Navy assigned was Norfolk, and thus, she and her family became Smithfield residents in 1983. Evelyn loved traveling with her sister in retirement to other places near the sea.

The family will receive visitors from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at 203 Washington St., Smithfield. A casual memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Nike Park picnic shelter. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.