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BORN

1942

DIED

2015

Benjamin Kendrick Obituary

Kendrick, Benjamin James Ben Kendrick, former Executive Director of the Marcy-Newberry Association, passed quietly at home on February 22, 2015 at age 73. He spent his life working to better the lives of others through community involvement on the West Side of Chicago. A memorial service celebrating Ben's life will be held Saturday, February 28th at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1252 S. Wolcott Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60608. The Pre-fast starts at 10:30 a.m. and precedes the 12:00 noon memorial service. There will be no wake or repast. Ben was born on February 20, 1942 in Chicago to Robert and Juanita Kendrick. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Betty and Rochelle and his brother, Robert. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Dunbar High School. He spent one year at Wiley State University in Texas and transferred to Wilberforce University in Ohio where his love for history blossomed and his skills at basketball sharpened. He became a star of the varsity basketball team and joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Delta Chapter in 1962. Even prior to his graduation, he mentored and encouraged young men in Chicago to pursue a college education. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the commencement speaker at his graduation in 1965. Ben's love of learning, history, mentoring and public affairs shaped the rest of his life. After college he taught at Hess Upper Grade Center and worked at the ABC Center where he fell in love with serving youth in the community. He accepted the directorship of the Marcy-Newberry Association in 1979 and devoted the next 35 years working diligently and tirelessly for the community. Under his leadership Marcy-Newberry became a major force on the near west side of Chicago. Beginning by serving immediate needs of families, the agency grew into a comprehensive effort to involve the community in positive redevelopment. Ben served on the editorial board of the Chicago Reporter, Community Renewal Society, and the Woods Charitable Fund. He was a driving force of the West-Side Consortium which focused on the Near West Side development around the University of Illinois, Chicago. He chaired Mayor Washington's city-wide Anti-Gang Initiative. He received many awards and commendations for his work. Throughout his life he amassed an impressive personal library which he would share with anyone who would listen or wanted to read. Ben was dedicated to his family and most proud of his daughter, Erika, from his marriage to Estralita Jones. He spent the last 18 years of his life with his current wife, Judith Walker-Kendrick. He is survived by his wife, daughter and a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the United Negro College Fund online at www.uncf.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 25, 2015.

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Delois Porter

February 19, 2025

Mr. Kendrick made an indelible impression on me and so many others on Chicago´s Westside. May his memory continue to be a blessing.

DP

June 13, 2024

Mr.Kendricks´ leadership on Chicago´s Westside was legendary. The programs that he led and/or supported/created an atmosphere for youth in North Lawndale to thrive thru after school programs, summer activities & year round camping in Michigan.

His presence left an indelible impression on the lives of many.

DeLois P.

Delette Porter-Williams

March 12, 2016

I am so disappointed I was unaware of his transition. Mr. Kendricks was a positive role model for so many; including my 8 siblings and I. He assisted my mom, Mrs. Lois J. Porter, in astronomical ways. Rest in peace my good friend.

Mike

April 25, 2015

Mr. Kendrick and his family helped me get my life on track. Mr. Kendrick helped me get in to college and told me that when I made it I should return the favor to someone else. As a teacher for 16 years I have been able to pass on his gift to many students and will continue to do so in Mr. Kendrick's honor.

Anthony Robinson

April 5, 2015

Mr.Kendrick was like my Social Service Father ; he helped me so much. I will always Love Him.

Benjamin J. Kendrick

Keith Hunt

April 5, 2015

Rhonda Craver-Zourob

March 10, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the family of Ben Kendrick. As a former employee of Marcy Newberry Association I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kendrick and witnessed his great love for the children and families he served. He will greatly be missed.

February 28, 2015

To the Kendrick family, I would like to extend my condolences to you. May God keep you for you have truly loss a great man of service. A person who gave his all to secure the lives of so many. I will pray for you and may God bless you. I will never forget how much he put into the West Side Consotium Training Institute for Family Child Care. God Bless, love Bernice Shelton

Cortez Harvey

February 28, 2015

GOD bless Ben and his family. It has truly been a blessing to know a person like Ben. Therefore, let us look at his long sucessful life as one that impact others both young and old.

Theora Evans

February 28, 2015

My prayers and condolences go out to the Kendrick family, especially Erica. Ben was a highly respected community leader and a loving/devoted parent. Although Ben is no longer with us, his seeds (love, hope, and charity) will prosper.

Rest in peace dear friend, your legacy atests to a job well done!

February 28, 2015

Ben Kendrick was a man of excellence! He was a dear friend and mentor. I had the pleasure of working for him for 10 years. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to the family. You all are in my prayers.

February 27, 2015

I will miss you old friend. My prayers and condolences to your family.
Jim Simmons

Wanda [email protected]

February 27, 2015

Will be miss

Wanda Johnson-Wilson

February 27, 2015

Love you will miss you my condolence goes out to the family from Wanda E Johnson-Wilson Marcy new berry Marcy -Fosco toddlers teacher 1986-2013

Wanda Johnson-Wilson

February 27, 2015

Love you and miss you my condolence goes out to the family from Wanda e Johnson-Wilson

Vanessa Rich

February 27, 2015

Ben was a great friend, leader and change-agent. He made a difference in this world and in the lives of thousands. We will miss him but never forget him. As they say you will be know by your works. The work Ben did in his lifetime is a legacy that will stand the test of time. I am so grateful for all he did for all of us.

February 27, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Ben when I was a board member at Marcy-Newberry Association. He dedicated his life to serving the community. He will be missed.
Nancy Kosobud

Toni Thomas

February 26, 2015

I'm so Sorry for your loss, I am praying for you all!

February 26, 2015

From Harry L Sampler, Sr and family send our deepest condolences to the entire Kendrick family.

Gary Moriello

February 26, 2015

My deepest sympathies go out to Ben's family and friends. As the Principal of the Gladstone School (which Ben had attended) from 1987 to 2007, I worked hand in hand with Ben to revitalize the near west side of Chicago. He was a powerful agent of change, and a good friend. Rest in Peace, Ben.
Gary Moriello

February 25, 2015

On behalf of Wilberforce University let me pass our deepest condolences on the recent passing of alumni legend Benjamin Kendrick. To say Benjamin was a larger than life character would be an understatement. He will always be remembered as a great leader verified by his many accomplishments. His style and skills were only surpassed by his incredible positive influence and zest for life.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kinnie Beck

February 25, 2015

My condolences to the Kendrick family.

Jose Alatorre

February 25, 2015

Sincere Condolences
Morris & LaBarbara Jones
Clarence (Red) Wilkes
Mark (Young Blood) Major
Wilberforce University

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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Memorial Events
for Benjamin Kendrick

Feb

28

Memorial Gathering

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

1252 S. Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL

Feb

28

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

1252 S. Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL

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