Anna Benson Obituary

Anna Lynn Benson COLUMBIA, SC - Anna Lynn Benson died on November 23, 2009, in Boquete, Panama. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 19, 1949, Anna was a sixth generation Columbian and lived most of her life here. She attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and was graduated from Dreher High School in 1967. She continued her education at Stratford College in Danville, Virginia, and was graduated from the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's Degree in Library Science, and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. Anna was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Blessed with intelligence and creativity, Anna developed her interests in fitness and history into many prestigious, noteworthy accomplishments. Always an ardent exerciser, Anna taught swimming lessons as a teenager to many of Columbia's children. In 1979, she founded the very successful and popular exercise studio, The Body Firm, in Charleston and Columbia. For more than 20 years, she created award-winning exercise techniques and trained numerous instructors in instructional performance. Beginning in 1986, Anna collaborated with her former husband, filmmaker Mark Henriksen, and her sister, Cynthia Benson, to create a best-selling library of exercise videos entitled The Firm. This ground-breaking series generated ongoing business with media giants such as Time- Life, BMG and Broadway Books; world-wide sales of The Firm have exceeded 100 million copies since the release of the first video. Anna also addressed specific needs of older exercisers with her later videos FitPrime and Fitness Favorites. Based on her special interest in the history of the South, Anna also created, in collaboration with Mark Henriksen and Cynthia Benson, two internationally award-winning documentary films about the history and culture of the two Southern cities: The Key West Picture Show (1978) and Dear Charleston (1980) received multiple first-prize awards and five-star reviews from notable sources including the New York Times and the American Film Institute. Reflecting Anna's insightful interviewing skills and vibrant, energetic perspective, these fresh and entertaining films remain in print today. Anna is survived by her husband, Herbert Jabloner; her father, Herbert L. Benson, Jr., and his wife, Barbara Quick (Long) Benson; her mother, Anna Marian Stanley Tucker, and her husband, Hubert W. Tucker; her sons, William Byrd Stanley Henriksen and Mark Herbert Phillips Henriksen; and her sisters, Cynthia Benson Clarke of Columbia, South Carolina, Frieda Benson Grimball of Norfolk, Virginia, and Sara Elizabeth Benson of Chicago, Illinois. In addition to the generation of instructors who continue to build on her legacy of achievement in exercise science, Anna also leaves behind countless exercise enthusiasts who continue to use and enjoy her informative, entertaining works. The family in Columbia wishes to thank Herbert Jabloner, Scott Williams and the doctors and nurses at Chiriqui Hospital in David, Panama, for their expert care and compassion. Memorials may be made to the Oliver Gospel Mission, PO Box 7791, Columbia, SC 29202, or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or to the Building Fund, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Friends may call at the homes of her parents. A memorial service for the family and friends celebrating her life will be held Tuesday, December 1, 4:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Columbia, South Carolina, The Reverend Dr. Tony A. Metze, pastor, officiating. Interment will be scheduled for a later date. SHIVES FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths

Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Nov. 29, 2009.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Benson

Not sure what to say?





Anna, Thank you for your inspiring and fun workout videos! Thank you for inspiring generations to be their healthiest.

Dylan

June 25, 2023

As a devoted Firm exerciser, I would like to extend my condolescences to Anna's family and to thank her up in heaven for her wonderful contributions to the lives of so many. Her exercise videos have yet to be beaten... Her original Firm workouts are still THE BEST on the market. God bless Anna and her family.

A M

December 29, 2009

My condolences to the family of Anna Benson. I am one of her many fans of her Firm series, which have enabled me to quit smoking, rid myself of backaches,transform my body and my life and be inspired by many health and fitness issues that by Anna. I found many similarities between the wisdom of the women in her family and Anna and the mothers, aunts and grandmothers in my own family and myself. Learning about Anna's loss made me very sad today. She will be dearly missed.

December 27, 2009

Anna, I will never forget you, and will keep your memory alive by using your wonderful workouts forever. You've changed my life for the better -- thank you.

Myra Kucera

December 22, 2009

Thank you Anna. I am so very grateful that you shared your talents and vision with millions of women worldwide. To this day I rely on the "classic" Firm workouts - nothing has ever come close in terms of the quality of filming, the sequencing, the music and the workout itself. God bless.

Pamela Bryman

December 19, 2009

I am so shocked to hear of Anna’s transformation from the mortal plane. I still remember the young woman full of life and passion as if it were only yesterday. Please accept my condolences to all of her family for their loss of this inspirational woman to millions.

Pat O'Neal

December 18, 2009

I'm so sad! But Anna, you turned me on to weight training and made it known that a woman could be strong and still feminine.

R Saunders

December 17, 2009

Ms. Benson's passing is a complete and utter shock. An immeasurable loss. To me she was a celebrity. When she released the FITPRIME series, I remember calling her company and inquiring about them. I was floored when she, herself answered and engaged me in conversation. We has such a nice talk. She was so pleasant. Rest in Peace, my friend.

S Taylor

December 14, 2009

Thank you, Anna, for all you've done. You will be very missed.
God bless.
J. Zutell, Pell Lake, WI

December 13, 2009

Dearest Anna, Thank You for changing my and countless others lives. You were a creative genius and far, far ahead of your time. You really made a difference!

Madeline

December 10, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Anna Benson's passing. Although I never met her in person, her videos made a lasting positive impact on my life. Rest in peace, Anna. You are truly missed.

CK

December 10, 2009

The fitness industry has lost a great icon who changed the lives of many. Her brilliance will be sorely missed.

Cindy

December 10, 2009

My sister introduced me to the firm videos back in the 90's. I love that video still today. Its a tried and true workout that gets me into shape and makes me feel great about myself. I am blessed to have been part of her movement to motivate women all around, and workout to her videos, (now dvd's). She has inspired a nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends of hers.

Desiree Heath

December 10, 2009

I walked into my first Body Firm class in July, 1983 and was instantly hooked. The combination of weight training with aerobics made sense to me. The 55 minute routines were led by well trained instructors and beautifully choreographed to sophisticated, eclectic soundtracks. Anna combined her extensive fitness knowledge with high level aesthetics and creativity. She was original and remarkable, and I join thousands of women who credit her workout for a lifetime of physical fitness and mental well being. Thank you, Anna.

Jean Smolen

December 9, 2009

There is no replacing Anna in the fitness world. Her vision is now legendary as is the phenomenal impact she had on thousands of lives, mine included. Rest in Peace, Anna.

Leslie Acher

December 9, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to Anna's family and so many friends and colleagues from the Firm. Being on the inside of The Firm for many years was a privilege and an experience that continues to shape my professional life today. Anna was a true genius, light years ahead of her time. It took the rest of the industry years to catch up to what she understood intuitively about what works. The fitness world has lost a true pioneer and innovator. Thank you Anna. You will be missed.

Mary Kay Morgan

December 8, 2009

Anna will be missed by so many of us. She was a creative genius and has changed my life by inspiring me to lift weights and exercise regularly. I hope she knew how appreciated she was.

Carol

December 8, 2009

My sister introduced me to The Firm when I was a young mother more than 20 years ago. Thank you Anna - for doing the hard work of sharing your passion for life time fitness. My life has been forever blessed.

Blanche Wulfekoetter

December 8, 2009

I just found out about the loss of Anna Benson. I worked out at the Firm and also used the videotapes. She was an inspiration to me in the field of fitness and I continue to adhere to her fitness principles. I am so sorry that she is gone.;..My condolences to her family

carol watts (New York city)

carol watts

December 8, 2009

My life has forever been changed by THE FIRM.

A Thofinn

December 7, 2009

Anna Benson was an icon to an entire fitness community in Chicago. She will be sorely missed. God Bless you Anna, for bringing so much to so many. Condolences to the Benson Family in South Carolina-especially Cynthia and Mark. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sera~

December 4, 2009

Anna Benson was one of a kind in the very best of ways. She was both creative and intuitive, and her Firm and FitPrime workouts were ahead of their time. Many lives, including mine, have been enriched by her ability to share her gifts with us through her workouts. Rest in peace, dear Anna.

Martha Edington

December 3, 2009

You were a lady of charm, grace, intelligence and wit. You will be sorely missed.

Don Innes

December 2, 2009

I was very privileged to have known Anna for a short time. She definitely had a way of getting into my heart quickly. My deepest sympathies to the family and many friends.

Charlotte Lang

December 1, 2009

I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. Anna changed my life. I bought the first Firm tape, and was hooked after that. I still use them. Nothing else comes close. I am a healthier person because of her.

Susan

December 1, 2009

It was a great priviledge to know Anna in the very small way that I did - through taking numerous classes from her at The Body Firm. Through those classes, she helped me learn foundational fitness truths that have stood the test of time - She was not a fad but a true pioneer! I had the great honor of seeing her only a few months ago as she visited Columbia. She was just as humble then as I remembered her years ago and seemed touched that I (an unknown to her) held her in such esteem - she chatted with me like an old friend. Her impact on my life will always be a cherished part of me!
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her family.

Jan Burgess

December 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. I had the honor of participating in Anna's class in the 1980's at the Firm in Columbia, S.C. at the same time she was producing her first video. She was such a positive, joyful life force.

December 1, 2009

I never had the pleasure to meet Anna in person but she touched my life in so many positive ways. My sister and I enjoyed her workouts together and started our journey on the road to fitness. She was a special and talented person who brought joy and happiness to those she never knew. She was truly a wonderful person, indeed. My condolences to her family and loved ones.

Alieta V

December 1, 2009

Although I never had the pleasure to meet Anna in person I feel like she was always with me and will continue to be with me during my workouts with her Firm creations. Her videos brought life and joy to my exercise world and changed the way I viewed working out. I shall always be grateful and very fortunate to have known Anna through her work. My condolences reach out to her family and loved ones and may Anna RIP.

Debbie R

November 30, 2009

Anna, you were indeed a pioneer in the fitness world. Your work was so ahead of its time. Like an artist, the full scope of your work will now be fully appreciated. You've made such an impact on so many lives. I not only admired you for the workouts you created, but I admired you for never giving up on a fight, holding your head up despite the tough battle you went through to get the rights for your beloved Firms, and for being such an incredibly strong woman. You will be missed. Debbie WA state

November 30, 2009

I am so thankful that Anna shared her talents with the world through her releases. I am deeply saddened by her passing and wish the Lord's blessings for her and her family. My sincere condolences.

Diane Kearns, a faithful fitness follower from the Northeast US.

Diane Kearns

November 30, 2009

Thank you Miss Anna for all you have done in the world of fitness, exercise and nutrition. You have been such an inspiration as well as mentor in fitness journey. I will miss you!

Annette Bethel

November 30, 2009

The first time I met Anna was in Charleston in 1998 on a Firm trip. Tracie - your oldest was just 10 days old then and you brought her in to show her off.
Anna thanked me with a big hug for coming and buying her workouts.
while I can't credit the Firm for getting me to work out, I will give them all the credit for making me love lifting, prior to starting to firm in the mid-1990s, I avoided weights whenever possible. I just didn't like them and preferred cardio. Then I tried the Firm and discovered - weights are actually FUN and now I prefer weights over cardio, without the firm, I am sure I wouldn't feel the same about lifting.
Also without the Firm, I wouldn't have made the very close life-long friends I have made, some who have posted here, who I have met on my many trips to South Carolina to firm.
Thank you Anna. You will be missed.

Barbara Paola

November 30, 2009

I will forever be grateful to Anna for what she brought to the fitness world and for changing my life, beginning with Volume 1 back in 1986. My FIRM videos are still amongst my most-used and enjoyed workouts today.

Although I never had the good fortune to actually meet her in person, I have communicated with her by telephone and email on numerous occasions and have always been impressed by her intelligence, enthusiasm and vast body of knowledge, as well as the warm kindness she extended to a fan.

My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes are with her family and friends. Please know that she will be missed and always remembered with affection and deepest appreciation.

Virginia

November 30, 2009

Anna was a pioneer and really believed in what she was doing.God bless your family. She will be missed.

Tori

November 30, 2009

My condolences to her loved ones...may she rest in peace.

Pamela Myers

November 30, 2009

Her workouts changed my whole outlook on fitness and excercise. A legend has departed us, indeed. RIP Anna.
Antoinette Davis, Mandeville, JAMAICA

November 30, 2009

Though I never met Anna Benson, she changed my life. She was a remarkable woman.

Mary R

November 30, 2009

I started exercising because of Anna's insightfulness to put weights and aerobics together. She was definitely ahead of her time. No matter what fitness form you go to , you will someone paying their respects to her. She was a giant to many of us.
There no words that will ever take away the pain you are feeling right now, I just want say my prays are with your family. She is resting peacefully now. May God bless her soul and bring you peace in your memories.

Thank you Anna

Weezie

November 30, 2009

Anna was one of the most gracious women I have ever met. Her determination to pursue her dreams and goals will always be an example for me. May god hold her in the palm of his hand.

With deepest sympathy, I offer my condolences to the Benson family.

November 30, 2009

She will be missed. Shari Miller, Frontenac, Kansas

Shari Miller

November 30, 2009

Anna Benson, was a great and positive influence for me, she put me on my fitness journey that till this day I'm still on. Anna Benson FIRM 'legacy' lives on. She was loved by millions of people, and she will be missed

Barb

November 30, 2009

Anna - aloha to you and may God bless you. Sincere condolences to your family. Thank you for teaching me about exercise through your videos.
jeannine from hawaii

November 30, 2009

Anna's Firm tapes got me started on the road to fitness many years ago and I'm still on it thanks to her. What a unique, well-rounded individual. She will be missed.

November 29, 2009

Dear Benson Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Anna is with God!

John W. Henry

November 29, 2009

Thank you for daring to dream, and for taking so many of us with you. Peaceful rest now.

Deb P.

November 29, 2009

My deepest condolences to her children and family.

November 29, 2009

I met anna around nineteen seventy at oakridge day camp. she taught me to swim and gave me a lifelong love of fitness and swimming and simply celebrating being strong. Anna was and is bigger than life . over the years keepingup and keeping track of annas journeys and accomplishments was always fascinating i guess i always think of her when i'm doing my crunches.so long friend,,mary desportes

November 29, 2009

Anna was ahead of her time. She was innovative and a visionary and an inspiration to all. Her workouts were and are a work of art and love. Her passing will be felt extremely by all. I will continue to treasure and use her workouts. Thank you Anna for all you have given to so many. My condolences to Anna's family and friends.

NA/AWA

November 29, 2009

What a fly girl ! God bless Madam Anna.

Susan Martin

November 29, 2009

I have been working out with Anna's videos for over 15 years. She has made a difference in my life and how I take care of myself. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed.

K Valli

November 29, 2009

Anna was a visionary whose work in the field of home fitness videos has never been matched. Her workouts were both beautiful and effective. Starting with the FIRM Volume 1 and continuing to this day, Anna has had a meaningful impact on my life for which I will always be grateful.
My condolences to Anna's friends and family. May she Rest in Peace.

Lori B

November 29, 2009

Anna, I'm praying for you today with a song in my Heart! I praying that you will find comfort in the arms of our loving Father!

I will miss our phone calls and emails, but I will continue my fitness with the Firms and Fitprimes as always.

Miss you dearly!!!!!!!!!

Valerie J

November 29, 2009

I bought Firm Volume 1 in 1986; I was 18 years old and overweight. I preordered every title therafter with great anticipation. My life was forever changed. I lost more than 50 pounds and have been successful in keeping the weight off all these years. Anna inspired me to be a better me and I will forever be grateful for her hardwork and dedication. May God be with her family and friends now and always.

Shirley D

November 29, 2009

The Firm was my first introduction to weight training, and started my fitness journey almost two decades ago. From the original Firms to the FitPrimes, I have been inspired and encouraged by Anna and her vision. I am one of so many people all over the world who have been touched in a positive way by her work and her life. Thank you, Anna.

peggy h

November 29, 2009

I'm very saddened to hear of the loss of Anna Benson. I've been doing Firm, FitPrime and WHFN video/DVD workouts for 20 years. The Firm Volume 1 was my first at-home exercise purchase in 1989. Anna is a legend and has left behind an amazing legacy. She will be sadly missed. My condolences to her family and friends.

GLB

November 29, 2009

I have been doing Firm workouts for 20 years. Anna made such a difference in my health and fitness. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.

Carol K

November 29, 2009

Anna,

Even though we've never met, you have changed my life. I bought the Firm Classics at $50 each and they are worth every penny. I have probably used them 1000x. RIP.

November 29, 2009

Anna was a true pioneer and started me on my rode to fitness way back with The Firm Volume I in Beta format. She is an icon in the fitness industry and continues to be an inspiration to me and to countless others in our quest for health and fitness. Thank you, Anna. I'll miss you.

Joni O

November 29, 2009

Carol Wofford

November 29, 2009

Just today I finished my Volume 2 workout on video tape and decided that after - could it be - more than 20 years, to get this workout on DVD. I even pre-ordered the original videos! I was so saddened to hear about Anna when I went to the website to place my order. She has been my friend (but we've never met) all these years. From the original Firm videos to Fitprime, we grew up together, raise families and got older and wiser. Clearly a gal ahead of her time. I attribute much of my health to Anna Benson a fitness visionary. Thank you from the bottom of my glutes! My heart goes out to her family and loved ones - she will still touch my life on a daily basis as she will touch yours. Love and Hugs to you.

Barbara Gregus

November 29, 2009

We were very privileged to have had the joy of benefiting from Ann’s work in the fitness world, as her work will live on forever. Anna not only raised the bar she set the standard for exercise videos. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

G Madore

November 29, 2009

Anna’s work will live on forever as she has touched the lives of so many people around the world. The fitness world owes a lot to Anna as she raised the bar with her work with The Firm.

G. Madore Vero Beach, FL

November 29, 2009

Rest in Peace, Anna. You were an inspiration to many.

November 29, 2009

Anna was a wonderful and pioneering woman. I only had the pleasure of speaking to her once over the phone but she was so gracious and so helpful. I was one of the original Firm Believers who bought Anna's Vol 1and every subsequent thereon. Anna changed my life and I have continued on her path to fitness ever since. Thank you Anna. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Phyllis Guinan

November 29, 2009

Well dear Anna the tears are here once again. Even with the benefit of knowledge that such a moment was to arrive, here they are, hot traces of sorrow. You have been a fountain of knowledge, enlightenment, and pure joy for me; that will be your continuing legacy for a silly little person who had you for the briefest of moments and was but a side note to your warm and full life. Every time I drive by that old little house on Edisto, I will hear your voice and laughter and be happy, wrapped in a memory. However no matter how warm the moments remembered, my old friend the tears will always linger at the edge of control. Sleep in the arms of God dear Princess. Hopefully when the great dark descends upon me, you will be there to be the great light again, and fear will be replaced by your warmth and smile..

November 29, 2009

Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results

Make a Donation
in Anna Benson's name

Memorial Events
for Anna Benson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Anna's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Anna Benson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more