City Council pay tribute after death of former Salisbury Mayor Lady Jo Benson
“Lady Benson gave outstanding service to the city"
Last updated 2nd Aug 2022
Salisbury City Council have paid tribute to former Mayor Lady Jo Benson OBE following her death.
Lady Benson played a big part in many different areas across Salisbury.
Born here in 1929, Jo attended Godolphin School for her secondary education, before later in life progressing to become a teacher at Leaden Hall.
While as a Salisbury City and Wiltshire Councillor, Jo supported many groups and charities such as Cancer Research Campaign, and was President of the Salisbury City Almshouses charity.
She also supported the Girl Guide Association and became President of the Wiltshire Girl Guides.
From 1969 to 1970 she was the Mayor, when she set up the Jo Benson Day Centre, a place centre that meets the needs of adults with physical and emotional needs.
Lady Benson was the first female chair of the Royal Automobile Club.
In 1973 she was awarded an OBE.
Salisbury City Council say Lady Benson gave freely her time to many organisations and charities and will be remembered for her philanthropy and kindness.
There is also a space at Salisbury District Hospital called the Benson Suite.
It's for local families who sadly experience the death of their baby at SDH and was called that after a generous donation by Lady Benson and her husband Sir Christopher.
The Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Councillor Tom Corbin said:
“Lady Benson gave outstanding service to the city in which she was born, and her legacy of the Jo Benson Centre will live on. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family.”
The City Flag will be flown at half-mast on the Guildhall until sunset on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.