Richmond, Virginia
BENSON, Archibald Harnamsingh, 81, departed this life peacefully on November 17, 2009. He was born on October 16, 1928 in Mohamdabad, UP, India, son of the late Dr. Babu Singh and Mrs. Angelina Evangeline Benson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Myrtle Benson Gideon; and nephew, Mr. Arnold Gideon. Surviving him are his wife of 49 years, Elfrida Cardwell Benson; their three children, Anita Benson Otey, Asha Benson Holloman (Robert), and Kalyan Singh Benson; four grandchildren, Antonio C. Otey Jr.; Adam B. Otey, Anisa B. Holloman, and Ria L. Holloman; and his sisters, Marjorie Gangwani (Victor), Merlin Tiwari, and Myra Lall (Sam); two nieces and seven nephews; and an abundance of extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 22, at 3 p.m. at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ginter Park Presbyterian Church or the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be registered at www.mem.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Dear Elfrida and family:
I was sorry to read of Archie's passing. Connie and I live in West Virginia now so I read the obituary on line. We praise the Lord for the years and the joy which you both had with each other. May the love and peace of Jesus bring continuous comfort to all of you during this time of loss.
Bruce & Connie Simon
January 15, 2010 | Rowlesburg, WV
Mrs. Benson, I am so sorry to just recently hear of your loss, my rrayers are always with you and your family. Be blessed and take care. Susan Black-Woodson
Susan Black-Woodson
December 03, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Dear Elfrida and family,
I have fond memories of working with Archie on the Human Relations Commission and later when he joined the community board of Refugee and Immigration Services. He was always energetic and engaged. We appreciated your welcoming us at your house for meetings.
You and Archie are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Breslow
November 25, 2009
To the Family,
I was truly blessed to learn the journalism craft under Mr. Benson's tutelage. He inspired me with his undying persistence and emphasis on excellence at all times. He was a great man and will truly be missed. God bless you all and may God grant you comfort and peace to carry on.
Otis Lockhart, Jr., VUU '95, STVU '04
Otis Lockhart, Jr.
November 23, 2009 | Henrico, VA
Asha,Anita and Family,
Sorry for your loss.
God loves you and so do I.
Stephanie W. Booker and Family
November 23, 2009
May the peace of God be with the family of Professor Benson. I cherished the momnents I worked with him as the Editor of the Panther while a student at VUU. He was fun to work with but held you to high standards. He was no slacker and for that I am grateful. I thank you for sharing Prof. Benson with so many. Thanks be to God for his gift as an educator.
Martin McCain
November 23, 2009 | Memphis, TN
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maria Logan
November 23, 2009 | Henrico, VA
Elfrida Dadi & family:
I'm so glad I got visit with you last month; it had been too long! My prayers are with all of you. We'll see each other again, Archie Dada!
Love you all,
Jaya
Jaya Gideon
November 21, 2009 | Greensboro, NC
Dr. Benson,
You contributed significantly, especially to Indian community. Your guidance, leadership and caring will be missed. May God give family strength to bear your departure.
-Ram & Meera
November 21, 2009
