Mr. Ben Jeffrey Bennett, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ben Jeffrey Bennett, Jr. Obituary SUNRISE SUNSET November 23, 1988 December 8, 2023 CELEBRATION OF LIFE - Friday, December 29, 2023 Ben Jeffrey Bennett, Jr. was born on November 23,1988, at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. to Debra Bennett and Ben J. Bennett, Sr., and was raised in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Ben Jr. was educated in Prince George's County, Maryland. He attended Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic School and the Public Montessori Program at Doswell E. Brooks Elementary School and Andrew Jackson Middle School. On a special transfer, he attended Gwynn Park High School. Ben Jr. had a calm and charismatic personality and was creative, spiritual, and athletically gifted. While attending day care his personality landed him the lead role in the pre-kindergarten commencement play, as the baby bird character from Dr. Seuss' book “Are You My Mother?” In the sixth grade, he demonstrated his leadership abilities by giving the impromptu class address at the promotion ceremony. He used his creativity to make up games with different toys to entertain himself, until his sister, Andrea, was born. With a playmate now, he had someone to bond and create more games with and to trick into doing his chores by making them sound fun and exciting. They developed a very close, protective, and lifelong bond. Ben Jr. had a spiritual soul and it was confirmed at a young age. While playing outside at church, he fell from a steep landing and had no injuries. He explained that he was ok because the angels hoisted him up. This was a testament that he had protective angels covering him. Ben Jr. was family oriented and he expressed his love through tattoos. The names of his father, mother, and sister, “Family Forever,” and “God is my answer” were his first tattoos. Ben Jr. explored different athletic sports but developed a passion for football. He started playing football at the Capitol Heights Boys and Girls Club and received many awards and trophies. Saturdays were dedicated to the family cheering him on to victory. At Gwynn Park High School, he excelled and shined on the field as a linebacker and safety. Although he was diagnosed with a severe hearing loss, he played on the Junior Varsity Team, quickly moved up to Varsity, and served in leadership roles. During his senior year, his talents contributed to Gwynn Park winning the Maryland 3A State Championship. Ben Jr. was scouted by colleges and universities and accepted a full athletic scholarship to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He continued making big plays on the field. One of his biggest plays was during the first start of his Miami football career. In the fourth quarter, he leaped high to snag his first interception at the one-yard line, returned it 78 yards, and then gassed out at the one-yard line. He was named Middle Atlantic Conference East Player of the Week for setting Miami up for the win. During his third year of college, his football career was drastically impacted due to experiencing a mental health condition. This caused him to withdraw from school and return home. Despite having multiple disabilities, he was determined to complete his education and establish a career. Twice he attempted to return to college to obtain a degree in social work. He acquired skills in two trades and worked for the Defense Information System Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, The Pentagon, U.S. Census Bureau, and the Frederick County School Board. Ben Jr. was more severely impacted by COVID-19, as a person living with multiple disabilities. COVID created times of uncertainties in his effort to regain normalcy in his life. He used community mental health programs, support services, and other ways to cope but he still struggled. Although he had struggles and challenges, he held firmly to his faith and hope for a better future. A few of his last words were “Thank you for supporting me.” and, “I am going to be successful this time.” On December 8, 2023, God said to Ben Jr. “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Ben Jr. now has an eternal relationship with the Lord. Those to carry on the memory of Ben Jr. are his parents Debra Bennett and Ben J. Bennett, Sr. (Fannie); sister, Andrea Epps (Antjuan); uncles, Ollie Bennett (Sydney), Larry Bennett, Don Bennett (Sheila); aunts Lois Mungo (Jeffery), Wallaceteen Yates (Gonza); honorary grandmother Brenda Daly; special friend, Ebony Bland; and a host of additional loving family members and friends. Preceded in death by grandparents Henry Myers (Mae Bell) and Ollie Bennett (Marie); aunts Antoinette Layne, Gloria Laws, Yvonne Underhill (Linwood); uncle Michael Ringo; cousins Jesse Pettaway, Robert Layne, and Michael Hawkins, III.

Mr. Ben Jeffrey Bennett, Jr.

November 23, 1988 - December 8, 2023