Bereavement and Homegoing

Daughter & Sister

Nineteen forty-one proved to be a significant year in history. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt served his third term as the United States’ 32nd president. He also signed Executive Order 8802 forbidding discrimination in the defense industry, and the Tuskegee Air Squadron, an all-Black regiment of airmen, was also established. The United States was in the throes of World War II, and Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. However, on April 4, 1941, in the small low country town of Georgetown, South Carolina, Alexander Ben Wilds (affectionately known as “Sugar”) and Viola Grant Wilds (known as “Baby”) were blessed by the birth of their second daughter, Benzena Vermella Wilds. Benzena’s arrival was an exceptionally happy event for the couple, since their eldest daughter, Christina, died at birth.

Benzena’s only-child status would be short-lived, because 5 years later her younger sister, Darilyn Odessa, was born. In 1952, Benzena’s father died unexpectedly. Ben’s death swiftly initiated Benzena into her roles as responsible daughter and committed sister. The family was shaken by the loss, but grew stronger, due to Viola’s unwavering Christian faith, phenomenal work ethic, practical discipline and razor-sharp focus on her daughters’ academic scholarship and excellence.

Scholar & Educator

Benzena Vermella Wilds was an exceptional student. In 1958, she graduated from Howard High School (Georgetown, SC) with honors and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from South Carolina State College (Orangeburg, SC). While matriculating at SC State, Benzena was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. via the Alpha Xi Chapter.

In 1974, Benzena earned the Master of Arts Degree in Education from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). She also completed post graduate studies at Tuskegee Institute (Tuskegee, AL), South Carolina State College School of Graduate Studies, and Howard University (Washington, DC). Her additional studies earned Benzena the equivalency of a doctoral degree.

In the fall of 1962, Benzena began her 38-year teaching career at her alma mater (Howard High). She continued her teaching career at Shaw Junior High (Washington, DC), Damascus High (Damascus, MD), Redland Junior High (Deerwood, MD), and Sligo Creek Junior High (Silver Spring, MD). She would conclude her illustrious career at one of Montgomery County Maryland’s flagship high schools, Montgomery Blair (Silver Spring, MD). As an educator, Benzena set high expectations for her students, and she was known for her concise, detailed-oriented, no-nonsense teaching style.

Wife, Mother & Matriarch

In the fall of 1962, Benzena met Reverend James Edward Lewis. The two were both new teachers in Georgetown County and were formally introduced at a county-wide new teachers meeting. Initially, Benzena assessed that James had several strikes against him. He was a preacher, a pastor, he was short, and he was a poor dancer! BUT the more James spoke to her with his deep, reverent sultry voice, she realized that she may need to reevaluate her initial assessment. She would later find James to be a Christian, kind, ingenious, hard-working, family-oriented man. To that end, in April 1963, Benzena and James were engaged, and were joined in holy matrimony in August of the same year.

Soon after their marriage, James accepted a pastoral position in Washington, DC. It was there where they expanded their family, and Benzena gave birth to their one and only daughter, Benita Edrena.

Benzena’s eye for detail and her ability to organize made her an extraordinary wife and mother. She was the perfect fit for her visionary husband and precocious daughter. Benzena anchored her small family and nurtured them with discipline, consistency, and common sense. In 1974, James acknowledged Benzena’s commitment to family, ministry and to him, by naming his business after her, Zena’s Child Development Center, Inc. (Washington, DC). Benzena’s daughter would often describe her as a “Dream Catcher”, because Benzena supported her daughter in every academic and career endeavor that her child ventured to achieve. When it came to supporting her family and friends, Benzena was generous with her time, resources, encouragement, and creativity.

While Benzena is a Lewis by marriage, she eagerly embraced the family’s tradition to participate in annual family reunions. She served as a co-host at the 48th (Poconos, PA), 54th (National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD) and 60th (Burlington, NC) Lewis Family Reunion. She enjoyed planning, arranging details, preparing family gift bags, and watching the family gather to celebrate the Lewis Legacy. She was so inspired by the Lewis Family that she hosted her family of origin at the Grant Family Reunion in 2004 (Laurel, MD). At the 61st Lewis Family Reunion (Conway, SC) she was recognized as a Lewis Family Matriarch.

Christian & First Lady

Benzena began her Christian walk at the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, in Georgetown, SC, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She was active in several aspects of the church especially the Baptist Training Union. Benzena’s mother also encouraged her to utilize her oratory skills throughout the community, and she was often asked to recite James Weldon Johnson’s poem, “The Creation”.

One of Benzena’s most notable roles in the church was that of the first lady. Benzena W. Lewis not only looked like a first lady, as she gracefully adorned matching suits/dresses, shoes, and HATS, but she also served as a first lady. As first lady of the Rehoboth Baptist Church (Washington, DC), she was instrumental in inviting Congress Woman Shirley Chisolm to serve as keynote speaker. In January 1975, she served alongside her husband as he (and several faithful members) founded the Resurrection Baptist Church (Washington, DC). It was there, where Benzena truly stepped out of her comfort zone and sang in the Senior Choir for a brief stint. Benzena gave leadership to the Sunday School as Superintendent and later served as the Director of Christian Education. Annually, she also directed a two-week Vacation Bible School which provided Christian education and nutritious meals to hundreds of Congress Heights youth.

Benzena not only served the local church, but in 1980 she was also elected Dean of the National Capital Baptist Congress of Christian Education in Washington, DC. Under her distinguished leadership, the Congress developed a new course curriculum and implemented innovative activities for youth.

After the death of her husband, Benzena affiliated with the Metropolitan Baptist Church (Largo, MD). Soon Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. (Senior Pastor and Servant) would appoint her President of the Pastor’s Partners Ministry. It was in this capacity that she transformed the ministry’s role to not only providing support to the pastor, but to the pastor’s family as well. Subsequently, over the past 5 years, Benzena could be found adorned in her Sunday best with her matching hats, as she worshipped God at Elon First Baptist Church (EFBC-Elon, NC). At EFBC, Benzena was beloved by many and was affectionately called “Mother Lewis”.

Daughter of God

Finally, Benzena Wilds Lewis lived life on her own terms. She faithfully served the Lord, led in ministry, supported her family, educated students, exercised at the Laurel-Beltsville Center (Laurel, MD) and the Hayes Taylor YMCA (Greensboro, NC), traveled globally and loved intently. She now rests in the arms of the One who authored “herstory” from the beginning of time.

Benzena leaves to cherish and remember herstory: her sister, Ms. Darilyn O. Wilds; her daughter, Rev. Dr. Benita E. Lewis; her brothers in law, Bishop John M. Lewis (Ernestine), Rev. Robert D. Lewis (Lita) and Deacon Charles Lewis; her sisters in law, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Lewis, Mrs. Helen Lewis Williams, Mrs. Maurine A. Lewis, and Mrs. Beverly Holmes Evans; a bonus son (nephew), Deacon Eddie Lee, Jr. (Carla & Abigail); bonus daughters, Sorors Bernadine Anthony, Twyler Lamb Haskins, Adriane Lowrie, Maerena Poole, and Rev. Deborah Spivey; bonus grandchildren Rev. Dr. James H. Wilkes, Jr. and Lady Melia Wilkes (James, III); close family friends, Ms. Jacqueline Garrett and Ms. Sallyann Hobson; the HAT Sisterhood, Mrs. Tina Brooks, Mrs. Doris Hall and Dr. Elizabeth Hicks; and a host of family and friends.

In order to increase Benzena’s Reach & Legacy, in lieu of fowers, please contribute to Elon CARES (a local non-profit providing monthly grocery giveaways, emergency food boxes and second chances to Alamance Community Residents) or assist in providing scholarships to South Carolina State University students majoring in Education. For the SCSU contributions, choose “other” and enter “In Memory of Benzena Wilds Lewis”.

Mrs. Benzena Wilds Lewis died on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at her home in North Carolina. Benzena, age 83, was an educator, and taught English at Shaw Junior High School, and retired from MCPS. She was formerly the first lady of the Resurrection Baptist Church Washington, DC, where her husband, Rev. J. Edward Lewis, was the founding pastor. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister, Ms. Darilyn Wilds; and daughter, Rev. Dr. Benita Lewis. A Public Viewing will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Sharpe Funeral Home, Burlington, NC. Celebration of Life Services will commence on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 12 p.m. from the sanctuary of First Baptist Church – 508 Apple St, Burlington, NC. Professional services entrusted to Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Elon CARES or SCSU School of Education.

Greetings Metropolitan Family,

Please continue to keep Rev. Benita Lewis and Family lifted in your prayers in the passing of her beloved mother Mrs. Benzena Vermella Wilds Lewis.

Final arrangements are below.

Celebrating the Life of a Graceful Woman: Benzena Vermella Wilds Lewis

Viewing: Friday, September 6, 2024
1:00 to 8:00 PM
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc.
520 Rosenwald Street
Burlington, NC 27216

Lie in State: Saturday, September 7, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
First Baptist Church on Apple
508 Apple Street
Burlington, NC 27217

Celebration of Life: Saturday, September 7, 2024
12:00 PM
First Baptist Church on Apple
508 Apple Street
Burlington, NC 27217

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Elon CARES (a local non-profit providing monthly
grocery giveaways, emergency food boxes and second chances to Alamance Community Residents.
Link: https://donate.stripe.com/14kg2v3gUayB0RqaEE

Provide scholarships to South Carolina State University students majoring in Education.
Link: https://scstateconnect.scsu.edu/sslpage.aspx?pid=378

Arrangements entrusted to:
Sharpe Funeral Home, Inc.
520 Rosenwald Street
Burlington, NC 27216