Mrs. Elizabeth Benton Mooney passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born at her family home in Opp, Alabama, on July 8, 1947, to Tom and Bob Dickson Barganier Benton, she grew up in a close-knit family with her sister, Alice Myra Benton Daniels. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood alongside her beloved cousins, Eddie Pettyjohn and Jean Pettyjohn Chesnutt, with whom she shared many joyful memories.

Elizabeth attended the University of Montevallo and later returned to her hometown, where she married James Wendell Mooney and began the life and family that would come to mean everything to her. She and Wendell shared over 50 years of spirited marriage until his passing in 2020. His loss left a deep mark on her, and life was never quite the same without him.

She raised three children—Maryann, Laura Jane, and James "Jim" Wendell II—with integrity, strength, and love. She was proud of them and the people they became. Her six grandchildren—Patrick Clark Beck, Mattie Elizabeth Mooney McMillan, Anna Dickson Barganier Beck, Kate Hadley Woodlief Smith, Molly Katherine Mooney, and Ellie Camille Mooney—brought her purpose and endless joy. She also deeply loved her children's spouses—Pat Beck, Evan Smith, and Misty Mooney—and was a devoted aunt to Susannah Fielder and Benton Bruce, and a great-aunt to Anna Blaise Fielder.

Her favorite role was being "Lady" to her grandchildren. She loved flowers, had a particular enthusiasm for rearranging furniture, and once took China painting classes to try something new. More than anything, her gift was creating a home filled with laughter, the occasional heated argument, and the most amazing home-cooked meals. She made every holiday and birthday special, especially Christmas, which she made memorable with stockings and an even number of gifts for every family member, always.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Wendell; her parents, Tom and Bob; her sister, Alice; her second mother, Maylene; and dear friends Rebecca, Charlotte, and Phyllis. It brings peace to imagine them together again.

If someone in your life is living with dementia, grief, or sadness, Elizabeth's family asks that you offer them grace, patience, kindness, and time—these small acts matter more than we often realize.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and doctors at Andalusia Manor, whose compassion, respect, and dignity—especially in Elizabeth's final days—meant more than words can express.

She will be deeply missed, but her family looks forward to carrying on her legacy in the many ways she taught them to love, gather, and care for one another.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 30, 2025 in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at Wyatt Funeral Home one hour prior to the service. Pat Beck, Benton Bruce, Evan Smith, Patrick Beck, Blake Janvion, and Charlie Wyatt will be serving as pallbearers.