Virginia Bennett Obituary

Bennett, Virginia C.

Virginia Charlene Bennett (Jackson) was born on December 27,1953 in Springfield, Ohio to Walter Jackson and Dolly Ann Jackson. The youngest of three children, Virginia, affectionately known as "Ginger, "was the beloved baby sister to Lena and Walter. She attended Robert Fulton Elementary School and Keifer Junior High School in Springfield, Ohio where her brilliance and intellect earned high marks at an early age. After her mother had a horrible car accident, Ginger moved to Kent, Ohio to live with and be raised by her favorite aunt, Aunt Henrietta "Tweet" Anderson, who inspired and supported her dreams. She was surrounded by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Even in high school, Ginger's indomitable spirit was apparent. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969 and then matriculated to Ohio State University, majoring in accounting. It was at Ohio State that she met John Bennett of Chicago, Illinois. After two years of dating, John and Ginger married and moved to John's hometown, Chicago, Illinois. Soon their first son, John Lendale Bennett, Jr. was born. A year later, their second son, Christopher Anthony Bennett was born.

Ginger's passion for her community and her skill in accounting found a great home in Chicago where she flourished. She opened her own business, "The Tax Place, "in 1986, providing dedicated services to thousands of clients in the Chicago-land area and beyond. Ginger worked morning-to-night on behalf of her clients helping them with business management, bookkeeping, and tax filings. Her service to her clients was personal, and professional. Her attention to detail was unmatched and she always went the extra mile.

While Ginger supported clients in her tax business, she also served the community as a member of the Chicago Police Department. For over 23 years she worked across the city of Chicago as a beat officer, C.A.P.S. Sergeant, Desk Sergeant, and many times, Acting District Commander. Ginger was known for her integrity and her willingness to support other officers in their development, even as she continued her own education. Ginger received a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph in 2011 and was pursuing her Masters Degree. She was well known and loved in the force by hundreds of her compatriots.

Ginger's commitment to the City of Chicago as a savvy businesswoman and a dedicated steward of public safety also extended to her leadership in several civic and religious organizations. She ran the South Shore Council of Commerce in the 1980s. She was also a devoted and longstanding member of the historical All Souls Free Religious Fellowship, a Unitarian Universalist congregation of color located on the Southside of Chicago and poured hours of her time in fellowship and service to the Church as its Treasurer for over 20 years. As a member of All Souls Women's Alliance, she advocated for and championed causes affecting women of color.

Virginia had a passion for collecting African and African-American artwork and for politics. She was an active volunteer for the historic Harold Washington campaign for Mayor of the city of Chicago, Carol Mosely Braun campaign for the United States Senate, and other progressive candidates. She was a Young Adult Board, auxiliary board member, of the DuSable Museum of African-American History where she helped to raise thousands of dollars for this esteemed institution. Outside of her work in the church and in community service, Ginger enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed trying her luck (and usually winning!) at the slot machines and loved the buffet as well. Most importantly, Virginia was kind, generous and loving to everyone who met her. She was extremely proud of her sons, her grandson, Nicholas, and her nieces and nephews. She was the best cheerleader and loved to celebrate and magnify the accomplishments of others. After one encounter, your spirit was lifted by her bright smile and peaceful personality. She always ended her calls expressing her love ("I love you madly!") and expressing an enduring positive spirit ("Onward and upward!").

Heaven knew that it needed Ginger, a true angel on earth, when she was unexpectedly called home on January 27, 2022. Virginia is survived by her sister, Lena, sons, John Lendale, Jr. and Christopher Anthony, grandson Nicholas Bennett, Close cousins Diane, Stevie, Karen, Doria, Alfreda and Lisa and many nieces, nephews and family members across the country and around the world. Near and dear to her heart is her "All Souls" Family.

A memorial for Ginger will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Brookins Funeral Home, 9315 S. Ashland at 12:00 p.m. A virtual viewing of the service is also available at www.brookinsfuneralhome.com

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