Charlie Benn, Sr

Mr. Charlie Benn, Sr. 85, an honorable man, was lifted up on eagle's wings on January 1, 2013, two years to the day his beloved wife Marlene Lewis Benn passed on into eternal glory. He was born to the union of the late Isaac Benn, Sr., and Stella McDonald Benn on May 30, 1927. He was a native New Orleanian and a life long resident of Algiers, Louisiana. He was one of nine children and a faithful servant of God. He was a merchant marine who travelled the globe as a young husband and father of eight. He became a community icon working as the local grocer at the family's grocery store, Benn's Grocery, established in the late 1800's, where he worked 46 years until his passing. Mr. Charlie Benn, Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Lewis Benn; granddaughter, Bevin Benn; brothers Howard, Clarence, Eldred and Hersey Benn; sisters Cora Benn Rose and Melinda Benn Ross; brothers-in-law Lawrence Price, Sr., Eugene Ross, Paris Lewis, Jr.; sisters-in-law Clementine, Geneva and Barbara Benn, and Francis Lewis; mother-in-law Edna Glenn Antoine; father-in-law Paris Lewis, Sr., and Jessie Antoine, Sr.; son-in-law Don Lewis. He is survived by his three sons Charlie (Maria) Benn, Jr., Paris Benn, Angelo Benn; five daughters Deon (Daniel) Ejekhine of Lagos, Nigeria, Patrice Benn-Abbey (Philip Nsekesi), Rhonda Benn-Lewis, Nina Benn, Stella (Andre) Haydel; grandchildren Kafka Benn, Sr., Charla (Leonard) Caldwell, Aristotle Benn, Nina Benn, Gloria Abbey, Kia Sanders, Alexander Lewis, Ezekiel Ejekhine, Marcus Lewis, Gigi Haydel and Brie Haydel; great-grandchildren Kafka Benn, Jr. and Clarke Caldwell; brothers Issac Benn, Jr. and Kermit Benn; sister Helen Benn Price; brothers-in-law Percy Rose, Sr., Jessie Antoine,Jr., Clayton Antoine; sisters-in-law Myra Wiggins, Claudette Antoine and Olga Antoine; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was a devoted loving husband and father who will be missed by his entire family, friends and the neighborhood he called the Cut Off. He has left an indelible mark on his community and all those he came to serve and love as his Good Cousins and Customers. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 11, 2013 at Second Baptist Church, 2836 Sullen Place, New Orleans, La. 70131. Rev. Taza Green,Sr., pastor, officiating. Visitation will be 8 AM to 10 AM; service 10 AM. Burial at St. Louis No.3, 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, La. 70112. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary, 230 Monroe, Gretna, La. To view and sign guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com