Mabel Broughton Benge

Mabel Broughton Benge, age 79, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday June 26, 2025, at Baptist Health in Corbin.

Born in Knox County, she was a daughter to the late Jim L. Broughton and Vona Warren Broughton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Murrel Benge on August 1, 2024. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Leona Napier and Sudie Mae Brock.

Mabel dedicated her life to caring for children by running a beloved home daycare where generations were raised under her gentle guidance. To many, she was more than a caregiver - she was family. Her home was a safe place full of love, laughter, and life lessons. Known for her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit, she helped raise children to become strong compassionate adults. Her legacy truly lives on in every life she touched.

Mabel operated many day cares including Butterflies and Bullfrogs, and Learn and Play. Her life's work was a testament to the scripture, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14). In addition to her life's work she was a faithful member of North Corbin Baptist Church.

Mabel is survived by her brothers, Leroy Broughton and Glen Broughton (Audrey); nephews Brandon Broughton and Billy Joe Sasser; great nephew, Waylon Broughton; her extended family; Tiffany Grega and Matthew Perez, Bobbie Huff, Beverly Sasser, Nick and Courtney Freeman and children Kolt and Hadley, Betsy and Bobby Allen, Cameron Allen, Linda Long and family, and Kylie Lewis and family; and by her fur babies Zena Rose and Chipper.

A graveside service will be held for Mabel Benge at 2pm on Sunday June 29, 2025, at the Bruner Cemetery, Hooppole Creek Road, in Laurel County, KY.

Arrangements by the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in Corbin, Kentucky, where messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com