Benji Roberts Guinn

The world lost a ray of sunshine when Benji Roberts Guinn entered the gates of heaven on August 8, 2026. Benji was born August 30, 1954, to Angus B. Roberts and Robert (Bobbie) Mallory Roberts. She was a woman who lit up every room she entered, filling it with laughter, love, and a spirit that could not be dimmed. Benji graduated from Lindale High School in 1972 and was a proud alumna of Texas Christian University. She cherished her time as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Benji married Donald Greg Guinn on December 30, 1978, at Lindale United Methodist Church. They shared 48 years together raising their two daughters, Jennie and Emily (Emma). Benji was a lifelong educator, working for the Tyler Independent School District at Rice Elementary and later becoming the upper and lower school Librarian at All Saints Episcopal School. She dedicated her career to shaping young minds as a teacher and librarian, forming meaningful bonds with her students. She made learning fun, and her kindness left a lasting impact on the children she encountered. Above all, Benji adored her family. She was the proudest mother to Jennie and Emma, always their biggest fan, telling anyone who would listen how “precious and darling” her girls were. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Greg, and together they explored the world. Her greatest joy was being “BB” to her beloved grandchildren, Owen, Will, Charlotte, and Walker. They knew that at BB’s house, there were always treats and endless love waiting for them. Benji had an eye for beauty, in decorating and in the way she saw the world and the people around her. She was full of joy, kindness, and unwavering love. Her spirit will live on in the laughter of her family, the memories she created, and in the Motown music she loved and will forever remind them of her dancing. Benji was a proud member of Marvin Methodist Church. Her faith was shown through serving as a volunteer in the Welcome Center along with being a faithful member of the Prayer Warriors. She also had years of service in the Children’s Ministry and volunteering for Vacation Bible School. The Texas Rose Festival was also a place that Benji loved giving her time. She participated and gave her time for many activities, including serving as the Coronation Co-Chair in 1989 and Queen’s Ball Chairman in 1993, among many other positions in her decades of volunteerism. Benji was an active member in the Gertrude Windsor Garden Club. She also was a longtime member and volunteer of both the Tyler Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Club and the Junior League of Tyler. After her mother, Bobbie, passed away at Hospice of East Texas Home Place in 2010, Benji gave her time volunteering there as a greeter at the front desk and visiting grieving families with the refreshments cart. Remaining to cherish Benji’s memory are her husband, Greg Guinn; daughters Jennie Guinn Ables and husband Chris; Emily Guinn Thorne and husband Barrett; grandchildren James Owen Ables, William Lane Ables, Charlotte Guinn Thorne, Walker McBride Thorne; sister Mary Angus Sheffield and nephew Sam Sheffield. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Amy and Tom Woldert and Beth and Andy Guinn, as well as several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Brad Brookshire, Mark Davis, Eddie Francis, Bobby Hicks, Jack King, Jim McCain, Tim Simpson, and Elam Swann. Memorial services for Benji will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler with Rev. Gerry Giles and Dr. Doug Baker officiating. A reception will follow the service in Horton Place. The family will have a private burial in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the following organizations: Marvin Methodist Church, Hospice of East Texas, Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, and The Alzheimer’s Association.

Benji Roberts Guinn

August 30, 1954 - August 8, 2026