Marian Valdes Benton

BENTON ~ Mrs. Marian Valdes Benton was born November 10, 1926 to the late Jose’ and Essie (Sheffield) Valdes.  She was one of seven children.  On October 20, 2018 she transitioned to her eternal life.

Marian confessed her faith in Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, under the leadership of Reverend John E. Ford.  She was a member of Bethel for over eighty years.  She was educated in the local school system.

Marian was employed at King Edward Cigars and retired after 36 years of service.

No one was a stranger to Marian; everyone that knew her loved her. She possessed the unique ability to express what she thought or how she felt . . . all in love.  She loved people.

Marian loved sitting in the backyard. An advent gardener, she possessed a “green thumb” and could bring a dying plant back to life. She loved to travel. Her philosophy was have bag . . .  will travel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Julie Valdes Jackson, Jose’ (Joe) Louis Valdes, Jeanette Valdes McKiever, Gloria Valdes, Ana Marie Valdes Wills; her son, Lonnie Walker; granddaughter, Yolonda Rushing; and her soul-mate, Willie H. Benton.

Marian leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Harry A (Marion) Walker; sister, Geraldine Valdes Griffin; grandchildren, Dana (John) Lomas, Harry V. Walker, Fikisha T. Walker, Tiffany P. Kelly, Reginald C. Collins, Kamille Garcia, Jamil Walker and Errin Walker; great grandchildren, John (Jacqueline) Lomas IV, Daniel Lomas, Shontre Walker, Jasaun Rushing, Jazmin Drake, Gyntrelle Jackson, Gabrielle Lomas and Mattie Kelly; great great grandchildren, TreSean King Smith and Tiana Smith; nephews and nieces, Phillip Jackson, Sr., Delores Way, Sam (Sharon) McGee, and Jackie McClendon; grand nephews and nieces, among them Anthony “Tony” Way, San Francisco, CA, Katina (Sam) Bates; cousins, among them, Raymond Mullins, Ypsilanti, MI; dearest friends, Sonja Haywood and Maxwell Thurston; a host of other family members and dear friends. 

Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Marian Valdes Benton will be 12:00 NOON Friday, October 26, 2018 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., Senior Pastor; Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., Pastor Emeritus.  Family will receive friends THURSDAY from 5-7 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment at Restlawn Memorial Park.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400.

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