07/12/2026
My beloved friend, mentor, mother figure, and colleague, Benita, unexpectedly passed away on Friday morning. I am truly devastated, heartbroken, and struggling to comprehend this unimaginable loss.
If you knew Benita, you probably knew all about me. There wasn’t a sentence I wasn’t brought up in. We talked every single day, probably at least eight times a day. I could never fully understand what she saw in me that made her care so deeply, but she loved me like family. She treated my family and friends the same way. Benita would have done anything for me because that’s simply who she was. She loved others with her whole heart.
I feel incredibly blessed that, in the short time I knew her, she welcomed me into her life and allowed me to become so close to her and her family. I keep finding myself wondering when she’s going to call me, when she’s going to pick me up, or what we’re doing tonight. It doesn’t feel real.
I have so much more to share about my love for Benita and the countless memories we made together, but right now my priority is grieving and supporting her daughters and family in every way I can. I promised her I would always look out for them if something ever happened, but I never imagined that time would come so soon.
I will share more ways to support Benita’s family in the coming days. For now, I ask that you please keep Wayman, Madison, Megan, MeeMaw, and everyone who loved Benita in your thoughts and prayers as we try to navigate this unimaginable loss.
I love you, Benita. Thank you for loving me as one of your own. Please come and visit me ✝️🕊️❤️
