Bernice Yvonne Benjamin

Bernice Yvonne Benjamin, a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to the power of resilience and joy, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 79 in Chicago, Illinois, due to natural causes. Born on May 8, 1946, in the warm and vibrant community of St. Thomas, Bernice brought the sunshine of the Caribbean with her when she moved to Chicago, where she would go on to enrich the lives of all she encountered.
Bernice's life was one of dedication and service. After graduating from Parker High School in Chicago, she pursued her passion for nurturing young minds by obtaining an associate degree in child development. Her professional journey at the State of Illinois was marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence, her infectious laugh, and her ability to inspire her colleagues with her positive attitude. She worked diligently until her well-deserved retirement in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and professionalism.
She was a mother, a grandmother, and a friend, whose love knew no bounds. Her daughter, Chevonne Myles, and son, Wayne Benjamin, were the apples of her eye, and her grandchildren, Rashaad Love and Schavonne Williams, were the stars that lit up her night sky. Bernice's family was her pride and joy, and she instilled in them the values of hard work, kindness, and the importance of chasing one's dreams with vigor.
Bernice's interests were as rich and diverse as her personality. Her love for jazz, especially the tunes of the legendary Miles Davis, filled her home with soulful melodies that are etched in the memories of her loved ones. She was a connoisseur of Westerns, finding solace and excitement in their tales of bravery and exploration. Her favorite pastime was watching CBS shows, a simple pleasure that brought her immense happiness.
As a motivational speaker might say, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain." Bernice danced through every storm, her spirit unshakeable, her laughter a beacon of hope. She lived by the inspiring words of Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Bernice embraced this daring adventure with open arms, and her journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
In celebrating Bernice's life, we honor a woman who was a pillar of strength, a fountain of wisdom, and a source of unconditional love. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that life's beauty lies in the connections we make, the lives we touch, and the joy we share. Bernice Yvonne Benjamin will be deeply missed, but the light she brought into this world will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who loved her and in the countless lives she impacted. Let us carry forward her indomitable spirit and live each day with the same zest and passion that she did.