Charlie C. Benton January 15, 1914- March 2, 2008 COLUMBUS, GA— Mr. Charlie C. Benton was born January 15, 1914 in Cusseta, GA. to Homer Benton and Freddie Bell (Benton). He was the eldest of eight children, all preceding him in death, but one sister, Louise Elder of Athens, GA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Gilead AME Church, Pastor Sherrod officiating. Visitation will be held today from 12 until 6 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. During his early childhood, the Benton family moved to Columbus (Muscogee County), Georgia. Due to the untimely death of his father, Charlie was compelled to become the man of the house. He worked day and night to assist his mother with menial wages that would ensure his brothers and sisters were well kept and able to get an education. He even disguised his age and began working at Bibb mill, where he would retire some forty five years laster as lead machinist. It was also during this time he began to ponder about a driving force, "surely", he said "there has to be a greater power enabling me to withstand these hard times". So it was here he joined Mt. Gilead African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fortson, GA. and gave his life to Christ. Mr. Benton was a faithful and dedicated member serving as a Class Leader, Trustee, Steward and Conference Delegate for many many years. While performing one of his household chores, picking up or dropping off laundry that his mother would have done in Harris County, Mr. Benton inevitably would meet and we Dorothy Lee Meredith. Together as one, this marriage lasted almost seventy three years, being blessed with seven children; three which preceded him in death, Cassandra, Freddie Louise and Meredith "Arnold" (Peggy). Mr. Benton quietly slipped away, lying across the legs of his beloved "Doll". At 11:37 p.m., March 2, 2008 at the St. Francis Hospital, Mr. Benton was called to the highest host, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a mourning wife "Doll"; three daughters, Lavoris Davis, Yvette Pough, S. Denise Bass (presiding Elder John W. Bass), and one son, Tara Benton. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Benton was a member of several hunting clubs, and was an awesome hunter and fisherman. He will always be remembered as the man of the house.
Published in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on 3/7/2008.