Florence Marge Benton

Florence Marge Benton was born on March 30, 1955 in Newark Ohio to the union of Sterling Williams and Thelma Williams. She departed this life on October 18, 2026 at home.

Marge attended Newark High School and graduated in 1971. Marge began her career with the agency at just 17 years old over the course of 46 years of service. She rose through the ranks with incredible dedication, hard work and heart. She started her career in Newark, OH as an Intermittent then she was hired as a full-time employee.

In 1978 Marge transferred to the Columbus North Office and was promoted into management after 13 years, then transferred to the Newark office until 2000 when she was again promoted to UC Technical Services as the Section Chief. Marge retired for one weekend and returned as the assistant deputy director over the office of local operations where she remained for 14 more years. Marge retired for the second time in 2018, yet her commitment to public service brought her back in 2020 to provide leadership and guidance during the pandemic , a time when her experience and steady presence were deeply needed and greatly appreciated.

Marge was more than a constant throughout our entire careers and state government, and it is really hard to imagine life without her. Marge was more than a Manager, she was a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Marge loved reading, singing, shopping and she loved life.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Sterling and Thelma Williams.

Marge leaves behind her husband to cherish memories, Kerry Benton; sister, Diane Williams; daughter, Diane Royster and stepdaughter, Treva Benton; granddaughter, Alysha Royster; grandsons, Dion Royster, Derrick Harris Jr, and D'Meko Benton; great-grandchildren, Tranya Royster, Tranity Royster, Braxx Davis and Romi Harris.

She also leaves behind special friends, Diana Allen and Sylvia Matthew's and a host of others.