Sadie Benton-Tanzy

Sister Sadie Benton-Tanzy was born on August 15, 1954 to the late Isaac and Mattie Washington.

On May 8, 2021, she departed this life at home surrounded by her husband and daughter.

Her faith in God was evidenced at an early age when she was baptized at the True Vine Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, under the leadership of Reverend Dorsey. Upon moving to Bastrop, she later joined Smith Temple Baptist Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder JR Liggins. In 1980, she served as First Lady of Refreshing Springs COGIC, First Church of God in Christ, and Greater New Hope COGIC.

Sister Tanzy was educated in Morehouse Parish, graduating from Bastrop High School in 1973.

Sister Tanzy was employed as a Teacher’s Aide at Southside Elementary. She was also employed with Safe Way Grocery Store in Bastrop, Hush Puppy, and Frank and Janie’s Seafood in Monroe. She later became employed at International Paper Mill until she walked in her purpose and opened Pebbles Day Care I and II. Pebbles remained open for over 20 years until she entered into her next journey at Walmart in Bastrop, where she remained faithful until her death.

Although Sister Tanzy was a mother to foster children for over 30 years and other young people, she was blessed with two biological children; one son, Melvin Benton, Jr.; and one daughter, Ami Benton. In 1974, she married Elder Melvin Benton, Sr. with whom she remained until his death. On May 28, 2005, she married her high school sweetheart, Allen Tanzy, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Mattie Washington; her brother, Clemmy T. Washington; and her sisters, District Missionary Catherine Edmonds and Ethel Washington; and a special niece, Latoya Stephens.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Allen E. Tanzy, Jr.; one son, Melvin Benton, Jr.; one daughter, Ami Benton; five grandchildren, Wanya Benton, Alize Benton, Arnande Benton, Jasmine Benton, and Melvin Benton, III; three great-grandchildren, A’Leah, Ariey, and Ajah Benton; three step-children, Corey Tanzy, Ashley Tanzy, and Ashford (Brittany) Tanzy; two sisters, Dorothy Coward and Ruthie Washington; three brothers, Arcel Washington (Charlie), CW Washington, and Isaac Blanch (Erica); father- and mother-in-law, Allen and Teanie Tanzy, Sr.; three sisters-in-law, Doris Jenkins (Pleas), Demetria Hayes (Alonzo), and Olinda Bates; one brother-in-law, Raymon Tanzy (Jacqueline), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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