Carrol P. Benns, Sr.

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14 On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, God in His infinite wisdom, removed from earthly labor the loving soul of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. At the age of 88, Carrol Pernell Benns, Sr., father of five devoted children, quietly transitioned to his heavenly home as he answered God’s call. On March 15, 1937, Carrol was welcomed into this world by his parents Elijah Celdon and Laura Alice (Sutton) Benns (Booker). He was born in Northumberland County, VA. Soon after Carrol’s birth, his proud parents relocated their spirited, energetic, and bouncing baby boy to Baltimore, MD. There, Carrol was surrounded by the love of his parents and other devoted family members. As a youngster, Carrol began the development of his Christian faith and beliefs in the family’s local Baptist church. With this as a backdrop, Carrol grew to become a fine young man, who loved the Lord, gave love, and was sincerely loved in return by his family. Carrol received his early education in Baltimore City’s Public Education System, where he thrived. His most compelling and prosperous educational experiences began at Frederick Douglass High School, where his quite innate intelligence began to define his view of life, faith, devotion to family, respect, and love for others, and his often dry and observational sense of humor. Shortly after graduating from high school, Carrol married his high school sweetheart, Delores (Michie) Benns (Deceased); together, they settled in Washington, DC. Their marriage was blessed with three loving and beautiful children, Monique, Carrol Jr, and Monica. Carrol, Sr., started his professional career as a printing technician and progressed to a technical support executive for the Government Printing Office (GPO). There, he was affectionately referred to as ‘Ben,’ by his business colleagues and friends. Carrol eventually retired from GPO and pursued a second career with Sears Roebuck, where he was an expert in Logistical Management. Carrol extended his family after marrying Elizabeth (Harrison) Benns (Deceased), a devoted mother of their loving and beautiful children, Erika and Carmen. Together, Carrol’s five children have continued to demonstrate that family is about love, not just blood ties. Together, they have created a beautiful and blended family story. About a decade ago Carrol began his most difficult battle of dealing with an aggregation of complex health challenges. Throughout his plight, he handled each challenge with grace and patience. Over an extended timeframe, he continued to rally and find his strength through faith and his love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Until the end, with that love as his strength, Carrol stood ‘Tall’ for his Tribe. Carrol was his four daughters’ first love and his son’s hero. Through them, his light was bright. Because of them, he loved life, music, dancing, and more. He was, indeed, a talented dancer, and he did not mind demonstrating his ‘perfect’ dancing skills to those who would watch. Carrol was also known as a staunch Commander's fan. Of course, the Ravens ranked as his #2 team. Carrol possessed a unique sense of humor and a quick wit. He wore an infectious smile and was blessed with a kind and compassionate spirit. Carrol is lovingly remembered by his children: Monique R. Williams (Donnell), Carrol P. Benns, Jr (Glenda), Monica J. Mills (William), Dr. Erika M. Benns-Moore (Sheldon), and Carmen D. Benns Sylvester (Ian); and his sisters, Alice Nelson, and Brenda Dukes (Ivan). He is also survived by a host of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, devoted nieces and nephews, special cousins, ‘influencer’ cousins – Lady Di and Shirley Ann, and friends. Carrol was predeceased by his parents and his brother William Sutton; the mothers of his children, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and other family members. “Memories are the timeless treasures of the heart.”

Tributes

Carrol P. Benns, Sr.

March 15, 1937 - June 17, 2025