Melia Lois Benton Wilks

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Melia Lois Benton Wilks of Opelika, Alabama, who passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 97, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Walter Benton and Alley Dawkins Benton; her husband Harry Marshall; her son Jerry Wilks (Judy); and her daughter-in-law Joyce Wilks.

She is survived by: her son Marshall Wilks, Jr.; her siblings, Evelyn Brown and Vernon Benton; her grandchildren, Candee Klementovich (Rick), Mark Wilks (Stacey), Frank Wilks (Terri), Jeff Wilks (Tara) and Eddie Wilks (Melissa); and her great grandchildren, Marshall Ty Wilks, Justin Wilks (Alicia), Corey Wilks (Bridget), Hannah Hogue (Matthew), Gracie Wilks (Dylan), J. D. Wilks and Haleigh Wilks. She is also survived by 12 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11th 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 11th 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Lakeview Memory Gardens (3800 US-431, Phenix City, AL 36867).