Anne Benson O'Briant

Anne Benson O'Briant, 86, of Bladenboro, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Born on February 18, 1939, in Lenoir County, she was a daughter of the late George Franklin Benson and Christine Outlaw Benson.  She was preceded in passing by her loving husband Bob O'Briant.

Anne dedicated her career to nursing, retiring as a respected member of the profession. Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond her immediate work, as she was also a founding member of the Bladen County Nurse Honor Guard, contributing significantly to the nursing community and honoring her peers.

A woman of many interests, Anne fondly enjoyed watching classic television shows, with favorites including "Golden Girls," "Matlock," "Murder She Wrote," and "Walker Texas Ranger." She had a special affinity for NASCAR, proudly supporting Jeff Gordon as her favorite driver. Beyond her love of television and racing, Anne was active in her community, participating in bowling with the Silver League, savoring the joy of reading, and engaging in puzzles, which brought her much happiness.

Anne was characterized by her caring, intelligent, and generous nature. Her friends and family alike admired her generally happy demeanor, as she lived life to the fullest and embraced all its moments. Deeply devoted to her faith, her church was paramount in her life, with the St. Christopher's Episcopal Church community serving as her second family.

Anne leaves behind her sons: Chris O'Briant and his wife Crystal, Tim O'Briant and his wife Caroline, and Robert O'Briant and his wife Jeana; her daughter, Malinda O'Briant; along with twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters: Shirley Smith and Glenda Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Wednesday, February 11th at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.  A funeral service will be held in celebration of Anne's life Sunday, at 2pm, February 15, 2026 at the St. Christopher's Church on Walnut Street in Elizabethtown, NC.

Anne will be remembered not only for her work as a nurse but also for the warmth she brought to the lives of many. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Christopher's Church.