Benson Announces Memorial Service Arrangements For Commissioner Maxine Peacock Holley

BENSON, N.C. — The Town of Benson has announced memorial service arrangements to honor Commissioner Maxine Peacock Holley, who died Saturday, July 11, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Holley served as a Commissioner At-Large and was most recently re-elected to the Benson Board of Commissioners in November 2025. She was remembered by town leaders as a dedicated public servant who devoted countless years to improving the Benson community.

Commissioner Holley will lie in state in the foyer of Benson Town Hall, 303 E. Church Street, on Friday, July 17, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to visit Town Hall to pay their respects to the longtime Benson commissioner.

A memorial service celebrating Holley’s life and service will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Benson Town Hall Auditorium.

Following the service, Holley will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in Dunn.

Following Holley’s death, Mayor Dr. R. Max Raynor Jr. praised her dedication to the town and its residents.

“On behalf of the Town of Benson, I want to express our deepest condolences to Commissioner Holley’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her,” Raynor said. “Commissioner Holley gave tirelessly of herself to make Benson a better place for every resident. Her voice, her heart, and her commitment to our town will be deeply missed.”

Raynor also said Holley’s “long-standing service to Benson left an indelible mark,” adding that she was known throughout the community for her devotion to her family and the people of Benson.

The Town of Benson has lowered flags at all town-owned properties to half-staff in Holley’s honor. A moment of silence will also be observed during the next meeting of the Benson Board of Commissioners as the community remembers her years of service.