Marshall Bennett, Jr.

Marshall Bennett, Jr. was born May 7, 1955, in Durham, NC to Marshall and Veola Chalmers Bennett.  He departed this life on October 24, 2019 at Duke Hospital.

Marshall was educated in the Durham Public School system and graduated from Hillside High School in 1973.  He joined Fisher Memorial United Holy Church in 1962, participated in the youth activities of the church and remained active until 1973.  In later years he relocated to Virginia where he resided for more than 30 years.  He met and married his loving and devoted wife, Brenda Webster.  To this union two sons were born, whom he was proud of and loved very much.  He was employed at the Martin Brower Company as a warehouseman for 30 years.

Marshall loved helping people.  He actively participated in the lives of his sons, nephews and nieces.  Some activities he enjoyed with them include taking them fishing, supporting them in their athletic endeavors, talking with and mentoring them, and being there for them when needed.  Around 2015, he returned to Durham and reconnected with his siblings and other relatives, high school classmates and friends.  He enjoyed life to its fullest despite his debilitating illness.  He joined the Senior Center for Life participating in the activities provided there (exercising, shooting pool, socializing with old friends and meeting new ones).  He also participated in a bowling league.  Marshall was competitive.  He participated in the Durham Senior Olympic games and won several medals (mostly “gold” with one or two “bronze” and “silver” ones).   He was a loving and giving person and would do anything that he could to assist others when needed.  Marshall also loved music.  Whether trying to play a tune on his guitar or singing in a falsetto voice along with the karaoke machine, he really enjoyed making music. 

Marshall also reconnected with his God and his church, rejoining Fisher Memorial United Holy Church on August 25, 2019.  He joined the Male Chorus and also helped with the Food Bank whenever possible.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Webster Bennett; his parents, Marshall and Veola Bennett; two sisters-in-law, Christine Webster and Selma Webster; one brother-in-law, Lawrence E. Webster, Sr.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marshall leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Marshall Bennett III and Jordan Lee Bennett, Ashburn, VA; brother, Fred Bennett (Sheila); and sisters, Deborah Swinton (Larry); Vera Bennett, Valerie Michael all from Durham, NC; brothers in law, Thomas F. Webster, Sr., Catlett, VA; William A. Webster, Sr., Richmond, VA; sisters-in-law, Stella L.Pollard, Columbus, OH; Priscilla M. Wallace, (Donald), Bristow, VA; Mildred I. Washington (Jeffrey), Sumerduck, VA; Betty D. Washington (Harrison), Manassas, VA; Alma M. Edmonds (Steve), Leesburg, VA; Kim E. Graham Miller, his Goddaughter (“the love of my life”), Sacramento, CA; special friends, Renarda Butler, Culpeper, VA; Darlene Johnson, Culpeper, VA; Hanan Sabir, Columbus, OH; the late Loretta Mayshack, Norfolk, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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