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Gloria Bennett Obituary
Bennett, Gloria S. Gloria Cecelia Sylvester Bennett, 78, wife of 52 years of historian and Ebony Magazine Executive Editor Emeritus Lerone Bennett Jr, died Friday, June 12, 2009, at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital of complications of asthma. She was a native of Mobile, AL, and one of twelve children (six living) of the late Elliott C. and Ola Mae Sylvester, a Catholic family whose faith extended back to the nineteenth century. Born December 31, 1930, she was the first daughter of the couple after six sons, and was named Gloria in thanksgiving after the Christmas carol, Gloria In Excelsis Deo. A graduate of Most Pure Heart of Mary High School, she received a degree in journalism in 1953 from Marquette University's College of Journalism, where she won a number of journalism awards. A pioneering Black journalist, she later joined the staff of Jet Magazine as associate editor. It was at Johnson Publishing Company that she met her husband, then an associate editor at Ebony Magazine. They were married on July 21, 1956, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church. She was a journalist, civic leader, woman of faith, wife, mother, grandmother and devoted friend. She was a founding co-chairperson of Chicago Focus (an activist group of Black and White women who attacked racism before the Movement and picketed major downtown department stores); a board member of the Chicago Child Care Society for 27 years; a member of the President's Council of Marquette University; a board member of Dominican University; an honorary board member of the Genesis Housing Development Corporation (a community development corporation founded to build affordable housing) and was awarded its Philanthropic Award for Outstanding Community Service in 1998; and a former board member of the Museum of Contemporary Art. She was a founding member of the Tolton Advisory Board of the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and as its first chair played a key role in providing the encouragement and guidance to launch this innovative ministry program. In 2003, as CTU celebrated its 35th year, Bennett was a Harambee Honoree. In the 1960s, she continued to deepen her faith, becoming a friend of Trappist monk Thomas Merton. Their correspondence is documented in the Merton archives and is cited by scholars. Active in service to children, she has been a Girl Scout leader, Den Mother for the Boy Scouts and a Little League sponsor. She was a "partner of caring" for the Dominicans and the Jesuit Religious Orders of the U.S., and a Lady of St. Peter Claver Court 181 in Chicago. The Chicago community leader was a longtime member of St. Ailbe's Church and former treasurer of its Women's Club. In 1994 she received the Thea Bowman Public Service Award from Court 200 of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 52 years, Lerone Bennett Jr., three daughters, Joy T. Bennett of Chicago, twins, Constance J. Bennett and Courtney J. Bennett of San Diego, CA, a son, Atty. Lerone (Janet) Bennett III of Atlanta, three granddaughters, Nekesa Joy, Imani Nia and Maya Gloria, two brothers, Robert (Diane) Sylvester of Mobile, AL, and Elliott C. (Dorothy) Sylvester of Chicago, three sisters, twins, Joan Inge and Jean S. Lang-Moore, both of Mobile, AL. Mary Catherine Tate of Oakland, CA, and Margaret Handy of Houston, sister-in-law Elnor (Caloway) Hickman of Chicago, and a host of devoted friends, nieces, nephews, and godchildren, who will miss her radiant smile and infectious laugh. Visitation, Saturday, June 20, 10:00 a.m. at St. Ailbe Catholic Church, IL, 60619. Funeral Mass follows immediately at 11:00 a.m. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL. Arrangements handled by A. A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, 318 E. 71st St., Chicago, IL, 60619. 
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Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Bennett
Terrie
December 2, 2009
Hi, my name is Terrie,
First, let me say you have my deepest condolences on the death of your love one. I know it is a difficult thing to deal with, because I lost my parents and my son a few years ago. What helped me though, was the wonderful hope of the resurrection that Jesus spoke about in the bible at John 5:28 & 29. I know I will see my love ones again and so will you. I hope you and your family can draw Strength from the resurrection hope, and while you wait for this to occur, I hope with the passing of time and the memories of Gloria you can have peace and comfort right now.
Sincerely Terrie
[email protected]
Mary Carter
July 31, 2009
Lerone and Family:
I am saddened to learn today of the death of Gloria. Daimon, Napoleon and I will never forget any of you. Joy, Connie, Coco and Lerone all of you are in our prayers.
Tonya English
July 18, 2009
To Lerone and Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you all. My best friend (Apryl Richard) spoke so highly of Mrs. Bennett and always described what a joyous person she was. Additionally, my in-laws (Mr. and Mrs. Charles English) knew your mother while growing up in Mobile, Alabama. They as well want to let you know that your family is in their prayers. May God Bless You and Keep You. Sincerely, Tonya English
Margaret Handy
July 14, 2009
Lerone, kids, and grandkids,
My big sis was THE BEST!
I am missing her madly.
Will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Be strong.
I will try to do the same.
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Deborah S. Pettie
July 13, 2009
We called her Aunt Dolly because so much ilke that cherished childhood toy she was always present to give comfort, compassion, encouragement and unconditional love. Joy, Coco, Connie, Lerone, Nekesa, Imani, Maya and dear sweet Uncle Lerone, my heart is with you in your time of grief and I smile with you when you recall her laughter. bty -- I've called Webster's and the new definition of "infectious laughter" is Gloria S. Bennet :-)Many hugs and much love!!!!
Marcus and Gabrelle (Sylvester) Simmons
June 24, 2009
May God give you peace in your time of grief. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
J. Fred Acree
June 23, 2009
To Lerone and Janet: May God continue to hold you in the hollow of his hands as you go through these trying moments. Just remember earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.
Todd Beamon
June 23, 2009
To the Bennett Family:
May God be with you at this time. I am thankful to have met Mother Bennett -- and I am saddened by your loss.
I pray that her Homegoing was joyous and peaceful, for I always was warmed by her happy, insightful spirit.
I am better to have had the pleasure.
Your Mother is at peace now -- and it is a perfect, wonderful peace. For that, we all can be thankful.
"... Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
-- Psalm 30:5, KJV
June 22, 2009
Dear Lerone, III
I was very saddened to hear of your mother's death. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vanessa Dotson Mickles, Atlanta, GA
Gerald Richard
June 22, 2009
To the Bennett Family,
My prayers are with you. Mrs. Bennett was an inspiring woman. Although she will be missed, her divine spirit is rooted in all the lives she touched.
Valerie Wilson Reed
June 21, 2009
To the Bennett Family,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mrs. Bennett. I will keep her and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dionne Dickson
June 20, 2009
To the Bennett Family,
My deepest heartfelt condolences. May God embrace you all.
Otis G. Grove
June 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
McClure P McCombs
June 20, 2009
Dear Gloria, Human life is richer because of the manner in which you lived your own. God be with you and your dynamic, spirited family.
Sincere condolences.
McClure P and Margaret McCombs
Latrice Gardner
June 20, 2009
To The Bennett Family,
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mrs. Bennett was a beautiful person inside and out. I am sorry that I could not be present for her home going services. I am currently in Mobile, Al (Her Hometown) completing my studies. She had an infectious smile that would brighten up a room. Remember "earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." Stay prayerful, and know that God will be with you every step of the way. God Bless You! Much Love!
June 20, 2009
To The Bennett Family,
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I wanted to be there in person to pay my respects, but I am currently in Mobile, Al (Her hometown) on business. This has been a great shock to the people that knew her here. Their prayers are with you as well. Mrs. Bennett was a beautiful person inside and out. She will definitely be missed! Remember that "earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." God Bless You!
Latrice Gardner( Barbara's Niece)
Chicago, Illinois
kenny sylvester
June 19, 2009
"My thoughts are with all of you. Aunt Dolly and I used to have lenghtly conversations that always concluded with her telling me how much she loved her family. She will be sorely missed. May God Bless you. Kenny Sylvester (Whistler, Alabama)
Phyllis Shackelford
June 19, 2009
Dearest CoCo, Connie, Joy and The Bennett Family:
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one Mrs. Gloria Bennett. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of bereavement. II Cor. 5:2-.... absent from the body is present with the LORD. Knowing this, may the LORD comfort you and give you peace.
{Aquinite & Sammy Dyer Alumni}
Janettia Gordon
June 19, 2009
To:The Ever So Graceful Bennett Family These are the Gordons of 9126 So. Blackstone we would like for you all to know that are hearts are with each every one of you all and may
God Bless and Keep You.
June 19, 2009
Dear Bennett Family:
I met Gloria and basked in her infectious when I was a member of Chicago Focus. What a blessing she was to all of us.
With the arms of my spirit I am holding you up,
In the silence of my thoughts I am sending you strength.
And here in my heart,
I am hurting with you,
and believing with you...
In a rainbow.
Love and prayers,
Betty Sibley Johnson
Arlington, Texas
Don Rose
June 19, 2009
My thoughts are with you Lerone, full in the knowedge that there are no words to balm the wounds of the loss of a life's companion. I regret that I will be out of the city Saturday and unable to join you for the farewell service.
John Britton
June 19, 2009
Lerone Bennett, Sr., and Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of the warm and loving spirit that touched your lives for so many years. No words are adequate to express my personal sense of sadness. But I would have you know that I, too, shall miss Gloria's presence on this Earth.
May we all take what we learned from observing her dignity and grace and invest that knowledge in a future that resembles the Kingdom of Caring she erected during her lifetime with us.
David Sylvester
June 19, 2009
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
These qualities describe our "Aunt Dolly". Our loss on earth is heaven's gain. Honor her life by walking in her footsteps and continuing her works. From Margaret, Francis, Steve, Dave, and the entire Sylvester family.
June 19, 2009
I pray God's continured blessings on the family of Mrs. Gloria (Bless) Bennett. I have fond memories of her visits home and her beautiful family. I have had some enjoyable times with the Sylvester family in Mobile, Alabama.
Mrs. Cornelia A. Culpepper
Mobile, AL
oliver moore sr
June 18, 2009
We send sincere condolences to the entire Bennett family.we too share this moment of grief with each of you.
- Vera & Oliver J Moore sr,chicago,IL
Carolyn Gina Hill Cyriaque
June 18, 2009
Our deepest sympathy in the lost of a gracious lady.Mrs. Bennett has touch my life from when I babysat for the girls and little Lerone so your parents could go out. Yes, this is Gina. Your mom I always admired and cherished knowing her. Mr. Bennet my heart is sadden by your great lost she will truly be missed.Constance, Courtney, Joy, and Lerone cherish all the great times in your heart. Stay close to your father. Your love will see him through this sadden time. May God bless and keep you all strong. All my love Carolyn Cyriaque ( Gina) kids babysitter and son Hosea Hill
Safisha & Haki Madhubuti
June 18, 2009
We extend our most sincere condolences at the transition of our dear sister Gloria. She was indeed always the embodiment of caring, a warm human being, and we always saw as your ultimate compliment, Lerone. The creator brings each unique spirit into being to be housed for a short time in a human body, but the creator's gift is eternity. You and Gloria are joined unto eternity, for you indeed built a magnificent life together. We love you Brother Lerone and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Jean & Clarence Woodruff
June 18, 2009
We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to the Bennett family.Gloria had such an infectious smile she stood out in any crowd. We are your Kenwood Ave neighbors from years ago. God Bless you and the family.
Nora Brooks Blakely
June 18, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about your loss ... our loss.
As my mother said:
"What is devout is never to forget.
Never to shelve the value and the beauty."
Gloria will be deeply, deeply missed.
Antoinette Nichols & family
June 18, 2009
To Mr. Bennett, Joy and the entire family, may the peace of God that surpasseth all understanding, strengthen and keep you through this difficult time.
helen sylvester
June 18, 2009
For our uncle and cousins....
Auntie Glo will be deeply missed. We enjoyed her so much on her visit home a few months ago. We will have a special Mass said in her honor...
we love you...
Helen, Chris, Danny, Tony and Moma Helen
Susan Campbell
June 17, 2009
Connie, Coco, Joy and Lerone,
My heart felt sympathy goes out to you all at this time of sorrow. Be strong and know that you are loved. My prayers go out to you and your family to wish you stregth and peace during this transition in life.
Love,
Susan Campbell-Smith
Joyce Johnson
June 17, 2009
May god continue to bless the entire Bennett Family. My deepest regards go out to you all.
June 17, 2009
Condolences to the Bennett Family on the passing of Mrs. Bennett. I have a special memory of her that will be with me always. It was just another sincere act of kindness displayed by her. May she rest in peace.
From one of her Girl Scouts at St. Ailbe's.
Abena Joan Brown
June 17, 2009
Gloria's luminous spirit and intrinsic vivacious personality will always be held in high esteem. We, in mutual admiration, appreciated the work being done to change the fabric of our society so that each and all could realize the height of possibilities. Thank you for all that you did and will continue to do as our newest ancestor. Your life and your deeds will always be worthy of emulation. We will continue to dance and move our neck to the music that you left!Abena
Joan Brown,Co-Founder, President, eta Creative Arts Fdn. Nancy C McKeever, Chairman, Board of Directors
Lisa Marie Glover
June 17, 2009
May God keep you and your family during this time of family transition. Her life is one to be celebrated. You are in my prayers.
Lisa Marie Glover
June 17, 2009
May God keep you during this time of family transition. Her life is one to be celebrated! You and your family are in my prayers.
Peter Inge
June 17, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all of the Bennett family. I loved Aunt Dolly very much and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Peter Inge
R Pettis
June 17, 2009
May the Lord heal any pain of this loss, and replace it with peace and blessed memories of a remarkable gift to the family and to the world.
June 17, 2009
A deeply loved & respected woman, she will be missed, but God loved her best...
Regina & Greg Baiocchi
June 17, 2009
Dear Bennett Family:
I was honored to work with Gloria for several CTU events. Our relationship blossomed into a friendship I will ever cherish. Please look for the rainbow God promises after each storm; knowing that we watch and pray with you. Peace,
Cie Cie Wilson
June 17, 2009
Mother Gloria... You will be missed!
From the first moment we met, I knew she was a special angel. She always had encouraging words and a vivacious laugh that would immediately wipe away your sorrow. My life has been enriched just by knowing her. Her memory will be in my heart forever... To the Bennett family, thanks for sharing such a wonderful person to the world. I love you all.
Robin Jackson Allen
June 17, 2009
To the Bennett Family,
Mrs. Bennett, my unsung hero, has made anonymous financial contributions to the education of many young people. I was fortunate to discover the identity of my benefactor and have loved and admired her for all these years.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Curtis Branch
June 17, 2009
Condolences, Curtis E. Branch
June 17, 2009
I will always cherish our wonderful friendship since childhood in Mobile. Our heartfelf sympathy to the entire family. May her soul rest in peace.
Lucille Holmes-Giles and family
Dr. Dorothy Williams
June 17, 2009
Prayers are with you as the precious memories of Gloria are cherished. May Our God of all comfort continue to keep
you under the shadow of His almighty wings.
Vaughn & Blanche Barber
June 17, 2009
Gloria was a very dear friend to the Barber family. We love her and she will truly be missed. Our condolences to the entire Bennett family.
Fr. Larry Dreffein, ofm
June 17, 2009
To the Bennett Family,
May the Lord who sent the Spirit of Comfort, be with you at this time of loss. My prayers and blessings for you.
June 17, 2009
I pray God's Peace to the family.
Fylinda Wiley
Dr. C. Vanessa White
June 17, 2009
The thoughts and prayers of the Tolton Ministerial Program and Catholic Theological Union are with you during this time. We celebrate the life of Gloria Bennett who was instrumental in the development of our program and we will miss her beautiful spirit.
Dr and Mrs Earl Fredrick Jr
June 17, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Thomas Hivko
June 17, 2009
To The Bennett Family,
Allstate was not the original "Good Neighbor" Gloria Bennett was. Every Thankgiving I remember how in 1967 on the day before Thanksgiving my neighbor, Mrs. Bennett, took me to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. My mother never learned how to drive but knew she could always reach out to our wonderful neighbor, Mrs. Bennett. Please accept my deepest sympathy on Gloria's passing. Her compassion and grace will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Thomas Hivko
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