ANNIE J. BENSON

June 4, 1929 - February 10, 2011

Annie Jensie Benson, 81, of Pembroke Township, IL, died Thursday, February 10, 2011 at home. Visitation will be Friday, February 18, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. until time of funeral services at 11:00 A.M. at Lax Mortuary. Reverend Louis Barnes will officiate. Burial will be in Washington Memory Gardens, Homewood, IL. Annie Jensie Benson was born June 4, 1929 in LaGrange, Georgia. She was the third of seven children born to Milton and Annette Sparks Dunlap. She was baptized in LaGrange Georgia at an early age and was a member of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Hopkins Park, Illinois. She received her formal education from Oak Grove School and East Depot High School, both located in LaGrange, Georgia. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Price C. Benson in 1958. She was a member of the Pembroke Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and served as president; later, the Wives Auxiliary of the Pembroke Fire Department was formed and she served as president. She organized the Annual Pembroke Day Waterball Fight. Annie was employed for 10 years with Bryars Molding Company in Chicago until she became a housewife around 1965. A resident of the Pembroke area for over 35 years, she will be remembered most for her unselfish commitment to her family, friends, and community. She was lovingly known as "Big Ma" by her grandchildren, which was later penned by all. She fed, sheltered, cared for and unconditionally loved all she met, without asking for anything in return. She shared her wisdom with all without passing judgment. Her passion was loving and caring for all of God's children just as they are, while leaving no one behind. She leaves to cherish their many memories and love, her devoted groom of 52 years, Mr. Price C. Benson of Pembroke Township, IL; sons and daughters-in-law, Darryl Benson, Sr. (Janetta Linebarger) of Pembroke Township, IL, Douglas Benson of Kankakee, IL, Reverend. Larry (Laverne) Ceasar of Chicago, IL, Edward Fisher (Angie Goines) of Marietta, GA and Brian Belton of Pembroke Township, IL; daughters, Phyllis Benson of Kankakee, IL, Patricia Echols (Otis James) of Kankakee, IL, Tracey Fisher of Marietta, GA and Sonya Benson of Alpharetta, GA; sisters, Mrs. Mattie Boazman of Atlanta, GA, Mrs. Celeste Gaddy of Des Moines, IA and Ms. Mamie Hayes of Sun River Terrace, IL; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Helen (Barnett) Betts of Hopkins Park, IL and Ms. Josie Benson of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Scott of Robbins, IL; one uncle-in-law, Mr. Ulysses Thompson of Holly Springs, MS; 27 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary children and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Johnny Frank Dunlap; two sisters, Mary Holly and Carrie Scott; two brothers, Joseph Dunlap and James Dunlap; five brothers-in-law and eight sisters-in-law.