Rev. Dr. Benson Cortez Tipton, age 101, a resident of Keyes Ave. Philippi passed away Tuesday December 20, 2011 in the Good Samaritan Society of Barbour County. He was born May 31, 1910 in Kingston, TN a son of the late Garfield and Mary Tipton. He was twice married first in 1946 to Elizabeth (Howse) Tipton who preceded him in death on January 14, 2006 and second on September 6, 2006 to Mrs. Louise E. (Ebbett) Tipton who survives. Also surviving
Four daughters: Cassandra E. Wilson of Capital Heights, MD
Eunice Z. Taylor of Atlanta, GA
Bensonetta Tipton Lane of Atlanta, GA
Libbee J.Slayton of Atlanta, GA
Five grandchildren, two great grandchildren
Cortez was preceded in death by one sister Eunice Petty
Cortez was tapped for a position at Alderson Broaddus College in 1973. He taught psychology and social work there until his retirement. He served in the US Army during WWII. When the German tried to enter the Ardennes Forrest there was a surprise attack of the Allied line. Cortez participated in the Allied plan response which led to German defeat of that campaign. This was called the Battle of the Bulge.
Cortez served on the boards of the Appalachian Mental Health Centers. Barbour County Family Recourses Network, Together in Recovery, World Vision, Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, National Children’s Cancer Society of Philippi, Heart and Hand, Philippi Kiwanis Club, Barbour County Senior Center, AARP- Barbour County Chapter, American Legion Post #44 Postal Advisory Committee, and Alcoholics Anonymous, and was a member of the Crim United Methodist Church.
Friends will be received at the Crim United Methodist Church 200 Pike St. Philippi, on Friday December 23, from 10 – 11:30 am. Funeral services will be at 11:30 am with Rev. Tim Bleigh officiating. Military honours will be accorded. In honor of Cortez’s wishes cremation will follow the services.