Mildred Benson

Service

Saturday, February 21, 2026|Wake: 11:00 a.m. |Service Time: 12:00 p.m.

Howell Funeral Home| 10220 Guilford Road| Jessup, Maryland 20794

Interment

Private

Mildred Louise Benson Obituary

Mildred Louise Benson was born on March 4, 1940, in Oconee County, South Carolina, to Rosa Henderson.

Raised in a single-parent household, Mildred accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Her faith was forged through experience as she watched her mother set the table, often with no visible provision in the refrigerator, yet soon thereafter call the family to dinner. Through those moments, Mildred learned the power of trusting God as Jehovah Jireh, her faithful Provider. As she matured, she recognized the absence of an earthly father and learned to lean fully into God as Abba Father, trusting Him to fill every void and supply every need.

Mildred graduated at the top of her class from Blue Ridge High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she left South Carolina and relocated to Washington, D.C., where she lived with an aunt and worked diligently to prepare for her future. Not long after, her high school suitor, John T. Benson, followed her to D.C. to profess his love and ask for her hand in marriage.

Mildred and John Thomas Benson were united in holy matrimony on June 21, 1959, officiated by Reverend B. Anderson at The New St. Luke Baptist Church. From their union came three beautiful daughters. Long before their births, Mildred purposed in her heart to establish a household rooted in the values, principles, and statutes of God’s living Word. She reared her daughters to reverence the true and living God and to walk in faith, integrity, and purpose.

Mildred was actively involved in her daughters’ education during their early years, becoming a licensed substitute teacher and faithfully serving on PTA boards. Her dedication and service earned her numerous awards and accolades. Once her children were grown, she transitioned from the school system into the assisted living field, where she continued her life of service by caring for those in need.

The standards Mildred set before her daughters became a lifelong guide, shaping how they would show up as daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, and friends, and most importantly, how they would serve God and His people.

Mildred was a woman of few words, but when she spoke, Godly wisdom flowed like a gentle spring rain, nourishing the spirit and restoring the heart. Her counsel invited reflection, realignment, and renewal. When correction was needed, it came with loving conviction, always accompanied by the reassurance that this too shall pass.

She loved and counseled her family and loved ones with unwavering devotion, instilling confidence that no matter the circumstance, everything would be alright because she believed in the power of prayer, and she believed in you.

With the birth of each grandchild and great-grandchild, Mildred embraced a renewed sense of purpose. She poured into new generations, teaching faith, morals, dignity, and honor. Above all, she loved them deeply with a love known only to a grandmother. She will forever be remembered as Grandma, Grammy, and Grandma-Girl.

Mildred’s transition to eternal rest leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy her beloved daughters and sons-in-love: Deborah Lynn Dendy (Rodney), Dinita Lea Ortiz (Chino), and Dana Latrece Ransom (Jesse). She is also survived by five grandchildren and grandchildren-in-love: DeVona (Derek), Danielle (Daniel), Regg (Tiesha), Dey (Jazz), and Dey’Jah; eight great-grandchildren: John, Jayden, Allen, Alana, Christian, Tristian, Tylar, and Kleist; along with her bonus daughters, LaNika, April, Kionna, Desiree and Deeannia. A host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and her dear friend group of 29 years, 

The Exceptional 4, who started traveling together in 1997.

Mildred was preceded in death by her loving husband, John T. Benson; her mother, Rosa Henderson-Giles; her brother, Thomas Henderson; and her sister, Martha V. Kay.

As Mother of her Church, where she served as Co-Lead for the Usher Ministry for many years, Mother Benson leaves to cherish her memory, Pastor Alexander J. Martin and her entire church family at Resurrection Bible Church, Inc.