Mrs. Geraldine Evelyn Benman

BENMAN, Mrs. Geraldine Evelyn - Age 90, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Dr. Marvin Jennings Sr., officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Saturday. Mrs. Benman will be viewed during the family hour only. Geraldine Evelyn Benman was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of Preston and Sybil Williams. Geraldine was the second eldest of nine children. She was a Christian, knew the Lord and was raised AME. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, she moved to Niles, MI where she met her husband to be William “Willie” Joseph Benman. To this union 8 children were conceived and 7 survived. Geraldine worked for a physician in South Bend, IN, she worked at Mass Bros and for Flint Public Schools. She also had a catering business while Bill was employed by Studebaker Auto Company. Shortly thereafter they moved to MI where they continued to grow their family living in both Flint and Detroit. Geraldine was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and a dedicated friend. Through her seed came a total of 70 as she had 7 children, 24 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. She loved her family, she helped to raise many of them and until her recent illness she could call them all by name and knew all of their birthdays from memory. Geraldine also loved doing things for her grandkids and others. She loved to dance and performed with a dance troup. Her lifelong dream was to be a professional dancer. She was surrounded by her loving family at her passing. Geraldine Evelyn Benman is survived by: children, Gilbert (Nannette) Benman of Houston, TX, Darlene Smalley of Flint, Ronald (Cindy) Benman of Seattle, WA, Terrie Huddleston of Flint, Marquetta Ware of Mt. Morris, MI and Derek (Stacie) Benman of Flint; one remaining brother, Larry Williams of Jonesboro, AR; one remaining sister, Mildred Bates of Grand Blanc, MI; as well as 24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Geraldine is also survived by: special daughters-in-law, Denise Benman of Chicago, IL and Alma Benman of Grand Blanc, MI; and special son-in-law, Henry “Mickey” Ware of Flint, MI; best friend, Lorraine Johnson. Geraldine was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Allen Benman; parents, Preston & Sybil Williams; sisters, Katherine Cobbs, Dorothy Hester, Mary Williams, Bettye Echols, Helen Williams and Faye Williams; sons-in-law, Daniel Smalley and Mark Huddleston. The family would like to express a special thank you to Pastor Marvin A. Jennings, Sr. and the Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church Family, Bro. Lawrence E. Moon Home for Funerals, Hurley Medical Center Nursing Staff and Dr. Michael Jaggi, The Medical Team Hospice Care and Reformation Home Health with special thanks to Mishari Ryan and granddaughter caregivers, Keundra Ware and Andrea Benman.

Mrs. Geraldine Evelyn Benman

May 13, 1929 - December 17, 2019