Janie Bennett Obituary

Bennett, Janie

JANIE BENNETT (June 13, 1935-August 29, 2023):

Remembering a Life of Service and Philanthropy

Janie Bennett, born June 13, 1935, in Mantee, Mississippi, to Rinda Bennett and Curtis Barr who preceded her in death, she went home to be with her Heavenly Father on August 29, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas. Janie was a selfless woman guided by her faith in Christ.

After attending lectures at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, Janie embraced the "Service" style of evangelicalism.

Janie proudly owned the Ranch Motel on Stoney Island in the Pill Hill community, where many gospel and secular artists like BB King and Bobby Bland would patronize. Her motel provided shelter for people experiencing homelessness, demonstrating her servant leadership and teaching others to appreciate life.

Janie opened Chicago's famous Gemini Music Store. The business supported emerging musicians and local talent as a community center. Janie managed the Faithful Wonders, a gospel singing group that won several gospel music honors.

Janie's community service enthusiasm started early. She created and ran Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church's Food for the Hungry program. Janie fed and supported several Chicago communities with the help of Pastor Joseph Wells and Soft Sheen co-founder Edward Gardner. She arranged Ethiopian famine aid, saving lives and helping to alleviate hunger.

Under former Alderman Dorothy Tillman, Janie supported the 3rd Ward community. She helped initiate programs at the Washington-King Resource Center (a shelter for Homeless men) to . Janie and her close friend Margaret Jones founded the Dorcas Women's Shelter, which provided emergency shelter and job training for women.

As a founding board member and interim president of Tobacco Road, Incorporated, the organization that owns and operates the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Janie contributed her business and spiritual expertise to community activities.

Janie leaves to cherish her love and memories to her son Allen Glenn Fulton, daughter Sandra F. Thomas (William Arnold Thomas), and a host of family and friends.

Janie Bennett lived a life of service and significant effect. Her selflessness and community service will inspire and guide future generations. Her services will be held at the Harold Washington Cultural Center on Monday, September 18, 2023 with a wake at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to A.R. Leaks and Sons.

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com