Teresa (Hall) Benson, a longtime Springfield real estate agent, seniorhousing developer, and advocate for seniors, passed away Monday, Sept. 20, 2021 in Springfield. She was 70. 0
Even after a June diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and extensive surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Teresa continued working in her real estate agency, helping clients as she had for almost three decades.
Teresa is survived by her husband of 31 years, Lloyd Benson; daughter, Tammy Hall( Todd & Austin Houk); stepsons Aaron Benson, Springfield, and Darby Benson, New Mexico; granddaughters Rachel Benson, Elise Benson and Devan Winchester; sister Barbara Stark (Vernor); and sister-inlaw Brenda Starbuck. In addition, Teresa leaves behind many dear close friends and family.
Teresa was born in Wichita, KS, to the late Robert and Juanita (June) Sumner, and spent her early years in Lebanon and Columbia, MO. But Teresa always considered her home to be Springfield, graduating from Glendale High in 1969, and Missouri State University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a minor in art.
While working 12 years for the Missouri Dept. of Health, Teresa in 1977 earned a Master’s in Guidance & Counseling from MSU. Teresa’s experience as a nursing home inspector led her to become a highly respected specialist in the needs of seniors, and started her on a new career path.
In partnership with mentor Howard Stancer, Teresa helped launch Creekside at Elfindale Retirement Community, serving as manager and partner from 1985 to 1997. She then developed and operated Elfindale Home Health Agency, and later Our World Intergenerational Day Care Center.
Teresa in 1999 became a real estate agent with Century 21 Integrity Group, specializing in relocation for seniors, and consulting for developers of retirement housing. Some of the projects for which Teresa consulted include The Oaks (Branson) and The Fremont. Teresa was especially proud that daughter Tammy worked alongside her for many years.
As a developer herself, Teresa designed, built, and later sold the Villas at Lombard, Fassnight Meadows, Autumn Corners in Springfield, and later Autumn Corners at Copper Leaf in Nixa.
Teresa served 25 years on the board of Senior Age (SW Missouri Office on Aging), and also on the boards of Missouri Trust Company and Gloria Deo Academy. She was a member of Prosperity Unlimited Investment Club and Glendale Christian Church.
Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Friday Sept. 24, and 10-11 a.m. Saturday Sept. 25 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, followed by services at 11 a.m. Internment will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Lebanon, MO.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Teresa’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3645 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65807