Ms. Theresa Elizabeth Benjamin was born in Fernandina Beach, Fla. on February 15, 1961 and placed in the loving arms of her mother, Loretta Benjamin (Ward). Theresa was called home October 7, 2019 at the age of 58.
After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School in 1979, Theresa continued her studies at FCCJ and graduated as a certified daycare provider. During her employment, she worked many jobs – usually two or three at a time, which included Reynae's Tint Tots Daycare, YMCA, McDonald's, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, and Hardee's. Theresa retired from the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort after 15 years of service in hospitality.
Theresa was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach under the leadership of Rev. Robert Flagler on March 28, 1971. Theresa has enjoyed fellowship at several churches with family and friends over the years. She loved and took pleasure in traveling on cruise ships and eating new dishes. The biggest joy of Theresa's life was helping raise her nieces and nephews along with her two goddaughters. Theresa provided for them as if she were the parent. She never asked if you needed help. She just looked at what was needed and got it done. She loved her family and was always the first one ready to go on any family trip or outing. It didn't matter where you were going; her answer was always yes. We are all blessed to have learned one valuable lesson from Theresa – that one should never let their medical conditions define their outlook on life. She loved her life and she lived her life to the fullest.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Dock Ward; and grandparents, Matthew and Parthenia Benjamin.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her mother, Loretta Ward; siblings, Beverly Jones, Michael Benjamin, Annette Benjamin (James), and Sandra Sanders (Thomas); nephews, Terrell Jones, Larry Roberts, Gary Roberts, Jermaine Roberts (Mia), Kuavis Jones, Michael Hunt, and James Hunt; nieces, Loretta Garcia (Damacio), Terra Richardson (Anthonio), and Michelle Albertie (Trez); aunts, Ruth Benjamin and Shirley Benjamin; goddaughters, Kaomi Lloyd and Katlin Jones; confidante, spiritual talking partner, Reynae Leath (sister-cousin); special supportive friends and family, Violet Edmonds, Patricia Ann Williams, and Regina Gilbert; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Homegoing Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the First Missionary Baptist Church, located at 22 S. Ninth St. in Fernandina Beach with Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr., pastor. Ms. Benjamin will rest for loved ones and friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 at First Missionary Baptist Church and 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the church. Theresa will be laid to rest in the Bosque Bello Cemetery.
Sarah L. Carter Funeral Home