Suzy (McClain) Benham

Rena Suzanne McClain was born in Denton, Texas, to Frank Watson and Helen Gillette Sutton McClain on November 9, 1952. She died at home on October 31, 2023.

 

Suzy spent her early childhood in Norman, Oklahoma, and returned with her family to Texarkana, Texas in 1958. Suzy graduated from Texas High School in 1971 and entered the University of Arkansas in the fall of that year. In Fulbright dormitory, she met Robin Ratley and many other dear, lifelong friends. 

 

After joining Pi Beta Phi Fraternity in 1972, Suzy studied speech pathology. She graduated in May 1975 and along with two friends went to work at Fort Chaffee processing refugees from Vietnam. She later worked as an assistant for the Information Systems Executive Committee and taught school in Central Arkansas, specializing in work with children with developmental disabilities. 

 

Suzy married James T. Benham (Jimbo) in 1983. Her daughter, Margaret Cooper (Maggie), was born in 1986. 

 

Around 1988, Suzy became director of the Francis Allen School for Exceptional Children (now the Allen School) and remained there until her retirement in 2019. For thirty years she was dedicated to her book club. She also served as a Stephen Minister and in recent years became passionate about the design and construction of accessible playgrounds. 

 

Suzy is survived by her husband and daughter, as well as her stepchildren David Benham (Ashley) and Dale Anne Douglas (Jeff) and their children. She is also survived by her father, Frank McClain; her twin sister, Margaret McEntire (Jay); younger siblings Jill Tackett (Andy) and Kenneth McClain; brother-in-law Paul Benham (Lynn), her sister-in-law, Barbara Upper (John); ten nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children, and many dear friends. 

 

A service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church.

 

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