Annie Lee Benton

Annie Lee Benton, called “Mammy” by her parents and siblings as a child, was born October 24, 1968, to the late Annie Pearl Wasson and John Lee Benton, in Monroe, Louisiana. She was the youngest of six siblings, but that was no contest to her independent, strong willed, lively, outspoken, and con dent personality! She was the life of the party and loved her family and friends dearly. She graduated from Carroll High School with honors and served as a majorette, in spite of becoming a young mother at the tender age of 15. She was faced with many challenges, but conquered all through faith and prayer. She attended Northeast Louisiana University, presently ULM, where she studied to be a Nurse, but had to put her dreams and aspirations on hold, due to having a mother and two terminally ill children whom required her love, care, undivided attention, and time.

She was a phenomenal mother of  five, Urico, Jamario, Sharada, Dorianna (deceased), and Johnathan, who had to overcome adversity at every turn. She was beautiful, intelligent, and a rebel with cause, a fighter! She would always tell her children to be respectful, don’t make a fool of yourself, or let anyone else do so, or take you for granted, do your own research, be well versed, and have a full understanding of all that governs you. Knowledge is power and protection. She would often quote, “How my people perish from lack of knowledge.” Most importantly she emphasized... lack of knowledge. You can never know too much and you never stop learning, loving each other, sticking together, and never putting anyone or anything before your family.

She taught her children to be fearless, independent, and resilient. With all her children now pursuing their own lives she recently made a decision to go back to school and study Phlebotomy and Medical Assisting, which she completed and earned certifications in both. Unfortunately she fell ill shortly after starting her new career. Joy fills our hearts to know, that our mother is no longer suffering, but at peace and on a soul’s beautiful and magnificent journey, to be reunited with her mother, father, sister, brother, and child, whom all will be waiting and welcoming her with nothing other than the presence and love of our Lord.

She leaves behind four children; ten grandchildren, Antonio Jr., China Mari, Dorian Duane, Beautiful Zion, Israel Mitchell, Rose Marie, Marianna Letrice, Merica Bell, Keyone Deon, and Shyleaux Laquae; one great-grandchild, D’yanni Maria-Michelle; one sister, Rose Ann; three brothers, Johnny, Dennis, and Jimmy; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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