Donna Jean "Benji" Ecabert

Donna Jean "Benji" Ecabert, an Arlington resident, went to heaven on August 1, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 1:00pm at Fielder Church located at 2011 S. Fielder Road in Arlington.

Benji was born as Donna Jean Pittman on October 18, 1946, in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Harry Robert Pittman and Ruth Belle Detrick Pittman. She spent much of her childhood in the town of Mansfield, Ohio until leaving home to attend Piedmont Bible College (very briefly) before moving to Arlington, Texas to attend Bible Baptist Seminary with her sister Dorothy.

Benji served Christ faithfully all her life, first with her ministry of sign language at Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie (almost 20 years), and later 30+ years at Fielder Road Baptist Church as a camera operator and any other ministry where she could serve.

Benji worked at American Airlines for many years where she met her husband, Jim Ecabert in 1984. They later married at Fielder Road Baptist Church on May 30, 1992, and recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. She loved her "Main Man," Jim, as she referred to him. They were the perfect pair and made so many great memories together.

Benji made friends in multiple places whether it be at work, bagel shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and church. If you had Benji as a friend, you could be assured that you would have someone who would support you in everything you do.

Benji was multi-talented as a photographer (she rarely allowed a beautiful sunset to occur without grabbing her camera), accordion player, extremely fast typist, and - little known fact - she could even drive a stick shift effortlessly on icy roads.

One of Benji's biggest passions in life was caring for animals, and as a result, she cared for many cats and dogs over the years - she even once adopted a sheep or two. In fact, she named herself "Benji" after a famous dog of the 1970's. Whenever Benji greeted you, it was often with a hearty "roof roof" and she would expect a "howwwwl" in return! Also, she loved Mexican food!

Benji was a beaming ray of light to everyone she knew, especially her family and many friends, while living and loving life to the fullest. Most importantly, she loved her Lord Jesus Christ and is surely taking many photos of heaven's beautiful sites.

Although we rejoice in her ultimate healing in the presence of God, a huge void has been left for everyone who knew and loved her. She was the shining example of loving others above herself.

Benji was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ruth Pittman of Arlington.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Ecabert of Arlington; sister, Dorothy Wren and husband, Larry Wren of Arlington; nephew, Rob Wren and wife, Tina Wren of Arlington, niece, Robyn Perez and husband, Jorge Perez of Arlington; nephew, Jay Wren of Ft. Worth; nephew, Hayden Wren of Arlington; 7 great-nephews and nieces; a newborn great-great-niece; and scores of friends.