Kathleen Bond Scobell Benson

Kathleen Bond Scobell Benson, longtime resident of Methodist Country House in Greenville, DE, ascended from this realm on Sunday July 21st at 5:50 AM at the age of 90.

She is survived by her brother, Henry Bond, and family; her children: Katey Scobell (Eliot), Peter Scobell (Jonnie) & Mary Lebeis (Ricardo) and their families. She was predeceased by her husbands The Rev. John Scobell and The Rev. Robert Benson.

Kay was born in Chattanooga, TN and grew up on Lookout Mountain, TN. She graduated from Girls Preparatory School (HS), Ward Belmont (AA), Vanderbilt University (BA), University of Delaware (MEd) & Lancaster Theological Seminary (MDiv).

She taught at Brandywine College before becoming the first woman to be ordained by the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware. She held many positions in the church including Vicar and Priest in Resident. She was on the Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee.

Her Ministry touched, lifted and saved many people. She was an advocate for civil rights and a pioneer for the woman’s movement. She will be missed dearly by so many.

In addition to her two professional careers, as a mother she was a fountain of wisdom whose expressions of love, guidance and support were endless. She was not only a highly skilled seamstress and gardener she was the handy woman of the household with her own toolbox and power tools. She built a bench for her garden as well as shelving and whatever else improved the efficiency of the home.

When she retired to the Methodist Country House she assumed the position of Director of Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance.

She and her husband John loved to dance. When they attended dances at the Country House the other dancers would inevitably stop and watch with great admiration as the two glided effortlessly across the dance floor.

After caring for and eventually losing her first husband, John, she later took a shine to the then Chaplain of the Country House, The Reverend Robert Benson. After a brief courtship they were married and lived at the Country House. Their love was fresh and young like smitten teens. Their partnership was a blessing to all they encountered until Bob’s passing left her a widow once again.

Although her social life remained vibrant she never entertained another suitor but lived happily and spiritually until she was recently called to her heavenly home.