Benita Earlene Garland was born on March 22, 1969, to Buddy and Bea Garland, and entered her heavenly home on December 8, 2025, at the age of 56 after a year-long battle with cancer. Benita was a rebellious, fun-loving spirit who once taught herself to whistle while smiling simply because someone told her it couldn’t be done. She never met a stranger. Her door was always open, her laugh was infectious, and her hugs felt like home.

Her love for the outdoors was unmatched—whether she was camping, fishing, riding side-by-sides, floating the river, or simply sitting on the patio with a beer and a breeze. A natural problem solver, Benita enjoyed escape rooms and playing VR mini golf with her kids. Above all, she loved her family and friends with unwavering devotion.

Benita was welcomed into heaven by her father, Buddy Garland; her late husband, Bob Powell; her daughter, Phelicia Calhoun; and many other cherished loved ones.

She continues to watch over her husband, Tony Dooley; both of their children, Brianna Patterson and husband Brandon, Brittain Calhoun, Brailand Calhoun, Riley Shepard and husband Gabriel, and Bailey Dooley; and her grandchildren Braivyn, Bria, Brook, Jace, and Adeline. She is also survived by her mother, Bea Garland; her sister, Becky Burton, and husband Kyle; her nephew Logan Burton (wife Andrea); and her nieces Berkleigh Ivy (husband Austin) and their sons Talon and Myles, Baileigh Sharp (husband Randon) and their son Carson, Shantell Thompson (husband Mykel) and their children Brycen, Matthew, Jameson, and RyAnne, Shelby Calhoun, and Lucia Calhoun and her sister-in-love, Grazyna Calhoun—along with countless cousins, “adopted” kids, friends, and extended family.

Benita will be deeply missed, but her love, spirit, and warmth will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Benita’s life will be held at her home away from home, The Broken Spoke, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. A private family celebration will follow at a later time.