Benita Delores Rucker Imes, daughter of the late Nellie Campbell and Frank Caldwell Rucker, was born in Statesville, N.C., on November 6, 1965. She unexpectedly departed this life on November 19, 2025, at the Kate Hospice Center Winston-Salem, N.C., surrounded by her loved ones.
Benita birthed three children, Jessica Elaine Rucker, Olivia Michelle Rucker, and Jamie Taylor-Elizabeth Lynn Roseboro. She was preceded in death by her sister, Debra Campbell; brothers: Benny Howard and Mark Eckles; aunts, Nancy Jean Rucker, and Perlia Ruth Coleman; uncle, James Manzo Rucker Sr.; grandparents: Beulah Estelle Elizabeth Caldwell Rucker Feimster, and Manzo Rucker; and god-daughter Amanda Carpenter.
She received her diploma from Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts, Bronx, N.Y. She was passionate about broadening her skills in the medical profession and was inspired by her Aunt Joyce McCall to provide healthcare services to those in need. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She was a dedicated employee of the Children’s Homes of Iredell County.
Benita, lovingly known to her family as “Wonk Wonk,” was a woman whose presence brought joy, laughter, and warmth to all who knew her. In her spare time, she cherished being surrounded by family and friends, and wherever Benita was, you could always count on hearing a good, heartfelt belly laugh. Genuine to her core, she was steadfast in who she was—she either liked you or she didn’t—and people loved her all the more for her honesty and authenticity.
Benita held a deep passion for the children she worked with, often thinking about their needs even on her days off. Her dedication and compassion touched countless young lives. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Gammy,” adored spending time with her. Their days together were filled with laughter, memories, and the comfort only she could give.
With a natural gift for humor and the ability to brighten any room she entered, Benita truly missed her calling for Hollywood. She had a remarkable talent for making others laugh and feel loved. Benita’s spirit, her laughter, and her unconditional love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her family, friends, and all the lives she touched
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Jessica Elaine Rucker, Olivia Michelle Rucker, and Jamie Taylor-Elizabeth Lynn Roseboro of Statesville, N.C.; her grandchildren, Ay’Naria Mon’yae Rucker, Addison Rose Joyner, and Chosen Frank McLendon of Statesville, N.C.; her god-sons, Gabriel Coleman, Brandon Houston Jr., Dewayne Jones, and Jamar Imes.; her beloved sisters, Peggy (Darrell) Millsaps of Statesville, and Tonia Maxwell Labroi and Lesa Rucker Taylor, both of New York; and her brothers, Dennis (Cynthia) Campbell, Michael Campbell, and Frankie Rucker of New York. She will be greatly missed by her aunts Joyce R. McCall, and Patricia Rucker; uncle Christopher “Skip” McCall Sr.; nieces, nephews; great nieces and nephews and special friends Elisa Tiger Smith, Tracey Lynn Imes, Adrian Caldwell, Wendell Bennett; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Visit the Book of Memories for Benita Rucker Imes at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Imes family.