Betty Benfield “Bennie” Poplin, 86, of Statesville, N.C., went to be with the two greatest loves of her life, her Jesus and her husband, Ervin Johnson Poplin, early on Sunday, March 21, 2021.

Mrs. Poplin was born in Iredell County on August 19, 1934, to the late Eli Ervin and Hattie Lucille Benfield. She was welcomed to heaven by her brother, John Benfield, and sister, Jewel Deal (Hubert), and beloved family members, Don Poplin (Jenny), Harry Poplin (Nancy) and Alan Poplin (India). Left with the blessings of her memory are her son, Irvin Poplin (Cheryl), and daughters, Helen Poplin May (Phillip), Harriet Templeton (Harlan) and Teresa Bost (Donnie), who she selflessly devoted her life to, as well as her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, survived by Coite Benfield (Jean) and Bertie Benfield.

She was a member of the former Race Street Methodist Church and a current member of Front Street Baptist Church, where her love of children spilled over into decades of devoted service in the nursery, where she was known affectionately by many as “Miss Pop Pop.” No words can express the strong, sweet spirit based in her faith in Christ that she carried throughout her life, which touched so many lives.

A loving thanks for all the love and care she received on Iredell Memorial’s surgical floor and 1 North, with special gratitude to four angels, Josie, Britney (OT), Hannah and Christie. Much affection and thanks to Brenda Hicks, not only her hairdresser but as her special friend of over 40 years.

Mrs. Poplin will lie in state at Troutman Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 25, at Front Street Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Mrs. Poplin will lie in state an hour prior to the service. A burial will follow the funeral at Oakwood Cemetery with Tim Stutts officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to any of the following: Front Street Baptist Church Senior Choir/ Young at Heart, 1403 W Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.