Vera H. Benjamin

1919 - 2008

GALESBURG - Mrs. Vera H. Benjamin, 89, of 162 Locust St., Galesburg, died at 9:35 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008, at her home.

She was born Jan. 15, 1919, in Sunflower, Miss. She was the daughter of Hillard and Vera Young Calmese. She married Lee Stover, who preceded her in death. She later married Bernard Benjamin on Feb. 18, 1947, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death Nov. 29, 1976.

She is survived by three grandchildren, Clister Mixon Jr., Crystal Mixon and Karl Mixon; six great-grandchildren, Holly Mixon, Kourtney Mixon, Tralise Mixon, Jasmine Mixon Morrow, Alyssa Mixon and Yvonne Mixon; and one great-great-grandchild, DeVon Mixon-Washington. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Geraldine Y. Mixon; one son-in-law, Clister P. Mixon Sr.; one brother, Ben Calmese; two sisters, Ruby Roberson and Arsie Hooker; and one grandson, Steven R. Mixon.

She was a homemaker. She lived in St. Louis before moving to Galesburg. She was the oldest original member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral will be at noon Thursday, March 20, at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Charles Brown officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to her church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.