Bengovan McNeace

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Bengovan George McNeace, 92.

Bengovan George McNeace was born January 16, 1933, in Augusta, GA, to her parents Arthur Buist George and Margaret Skelton George, and she was the youngest of their five children. She graduated from Tubman High School in 1950, where she was a standout athlete and named Best Sportsman.

Bengovan soon married Henry Hewitt Linyard, and they had five children. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Augusta Roofing and Outdoor Displays. She later married Tom McNeace, who predeceased her in 1995.

Bengovan was a member of Hill Baptist Church for most of her life. Her mother recruited her to work in the nursery at age twelve, and she continued that commitment for more than twenty-five years. She made many lifetime friends at the church, both old and young.

Family members include her children: Brenda Dillon, Hewitt Linyard Jr. (Connie), Charlotte Parnell (Charlie), Larry Linyard (Kathy), and Harriett Linyard; her stepsons: Martin McNeace, Marvin McNeace (Luvada), Bill McNeace (Cathy), and Joey McNeace. There are seventeen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. All the family affectionately knew her as our “MaBen”.

Some memories from her children:

“There's so much I could say, but I'm going to keep it short. Mom was the most beautiful, amazing mom, woman, and person anyone could ever meet. She never met a stranger. Always open to anyone and everyone, she was not prejudiced towards anyone or anything. She loved God, her family, her friends, and all animals.

Even though she got polio when she was 21, you'd never know it. She'd be right there playing all the games we played, supporting us. At every sporting event, every dance recital, every heartbreak, everything. Don't get me wrong, she could be tough, she could say, "Go pick your switch, or do you wanna talk?" Believe me, you wanted the switch instead of the talk. She raised 5 kids by herself, and I can tell you, none of us turned out bad. I'll miss you to the day I die, Momma.”

and:

“What can you say about someone who lived almost a century? Our mother, Bengovan McNeace, was born in the Depression, was an athlete ahead of her time, survived polio, raised five kids as a single mother and breadwinner, was a stepmother and the funnest grandmother to generations of grandchildren and great-grands, loved a road trip with her girlfriends, beat Covid, and left this life with so many well-loved family members and friends. Mom spent most of her life in the home that her father built, a house that survived Hurricane Helene unscathed.

Picture Mom’s yard full of growing things - plums, flowers, tomatoes, kids. Grandkids would arrive from out of town and would be busting out of the car just as soon as it stopped moving so they could run to Ma Ben for a hug and a guaranteed good time. Her house was small, but her heart and her yard were big. Kids spent summers in Mom’s yard playing baseball and soccer, sitting with her on the swing and splashing in giant plastic tubs. All dogs and friends were welcome, too. Winters were spent inside playing cards and games, eating Chex Mix, and brownies. Ma Ben loved a full house, the more the merrier.”

In retirement, Mom enjoyed spending time in her back yard growing a wide variety of flowers and watching birds at the feeder. She traveled a great deal, exploring the US and beyond as well as visiting friends and family. Most of those were road trips - she was always the driver.

In Mom’s final years, she resided at NHC Healthcare in North Augusta. She made friends with residents and staff members alike. She had an especially cozy room where she was known for her green thumb, candy dish, her classy style, and always, her kindness.

Mom loved unconditionally and was well loved by all of us who were lucky to belong to her. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Bengovan will Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The Hill Baptist Church in Augusta. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall after the service. 

Memorials made be made to the Ronald McDonal House of Augusta at https://rmhcaugusta.org/

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.