Dorothy Benton

DOROTHY JEAN BENTON, 78 FORT WORTH, Texas - Dorothy Jean Benton, 78, of Fort Worth, formerly of Rockford, Ill., departed this earthly life, to rest with the Lord on Friday, May 6, 2011, after being ill since 2003. Born April 1, 1933, in Forest City, Ark., the first child of Azalee Bryant. Dorothy graduated from high school in Forest City, Class of 1951. She relocated to Chicago where she resided until 1969, then she relocated to Rockford with her late husband, Sherman Benton and their five children. She was employed by F.W. Means Co., and retired after 15 years of service from Sundstrand Corp. Dorothy was a member of Allen Chapel AME Church, Rockford, serving in the Sanctuary Choir. In 2001 she, relocated to Fort Worth to reside with her son, Marvin. Dorothy leaves to cherish and celebrate her memories children, Connie McKnight, Marvin and Derrick Benton; brothers, Alvin Walker and Forest Bryant; sisters, Azalee and Marilyn Brown; a host of grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Predeceased by her mother; husband; sons Darnell and Charles; and brothers, James and Jimmie. Service at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at Allen Chapel AME Church, 3000 Rural St. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home, 2429 W. State St.