Essie Mae Benjamin Obituary (1940 - 2020)

Essie Mae BENJAMIN, 80, of Laytonsville, MD, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2020 at Medstar Montgomery General Hospital while surrounded by her 5 Children. Essie gave her life to Christ and was saved at a very young age. She was a member at Unity Baptist Church as a life member. Essie Grandmother raised her up in the church along with a ton of cousins. She sang in the choir and played the piano. Essie graduated from Lunenburg High School in Kenbridge, VA, in 1960. Essie and Bennie (Buck) were married in the same year and began their family. To their union, they had 6 children. Essie was an awesome housewife. Essie loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren wholeheartedly. She had an individual relationship with each of them. She spoiled her family and enjoyed holidays with her close knit family. Some of the things Essie loved most was, church, cook, shop, vacation, soap operas, singing, and talking on the phone, which was always followed by laughter. Essie had a way with making you laugh! Although, she was a sweet lady, you wouldn't do wrong by her or her family because she would flap her wings, especially when her children were concerned. She was a wonderful Mom and showed an abundance of love to all that knew her. Because of the way she expressed her love, she is called "Mom" by many. Essie is survived by: 5 children, Veda Benjamin, Bennie Benjamin Jr. (Rhonda), Darcel Benjamin Williams, Shawna Benjamin (Tony Bennett), and Amy Benjamin Smith (Philip); 9 grandchildren, Lamar, Andrea , LaNikia, Jamal, Corey, Marcus, Raven, Nya, and Tevon; 10 great-grandchildren, Ramal, Jayden, Marcus, Giana ,Xavier, Novah, Elijah, Aleah, Karis, and Aliah; 1 Brother, James ( Barbara) Chance; Mother in law, Carrie Benjamin; Brother in laws, James Benjamin (Brenda), and Johnathan Benjamin (Georgia); Sister in laws, Pauline White, Mary Gray (Oliver), Thelma Wilson, and Carolyn Benjamin; 2 honorary children, Timothy, and Michelle Beckwith; 1 Godson, Cordell Hall; very special friends, Alberta Winn, Mary Gray, Esther Juarez, Mary Hopkins, Hilda Whittaker, Pat Moore, and Reverend Dr. Pearl J. Selby; A huge host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Essie was preceded in death by: first baby daughter, Avis Palma Benjamin; one and only love of her life, Bennie E. Benjamin; and parents, James, and Daisy Chance. Due to COVID-19, the family will have a private ceremony. We thank you all for showing us love and care at this time.