Obituary of Henrietta Estelle Bennett

Life Reflections HENRIETTA ESTELLE BENNETT, the oldest daughter of eight children born to the late Henry M. Bennett and Marie Lee Bradley departed this earthly life to enter eternal peace on July 2, 2020 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. She was born on March 23, 1946 in Baltimore Maryland and received her early education in Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1964. Henrietta was preceded in death by her brothers, Troy Henry Bennett and James Bennett. Henrietta or "Sister" as she was affectionately called by family, moved from Baltimore City to Baltimore County in 1986 where she also worked at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for 34 years. During her time at SSA, she worked in several capacities, beginning as a file clerk and remained in that position for three years after which she was reassigned to the Disability Inquiries Staff. She became a Claims Authorizer in 1985 and served in that position until her retirement. Henrietta was an active and dedicated member of the Black Affairs Advisory Council, where she served in several key positions as Treasurer, Principal Member and Advisor. After receiving many awards and citations for notable accomplishments, she retired from SSA in 2002. Henrietta loved her extended family and was a doting grandmother, mother, aunt and sister. It was not uncommon to see her at games and activities of her grandchildren nor was it rare for her to be on the phone talking with her siblings for hours. As the oldest female sibling, she was the "matriarch" of the family and as a result, for many years she hosted family gatherings and became the source of family history, information, support, and wise counsel. Henrietta had an optimistic zest for life which was reflected in her work and entrepreneurial flair! For many years, she owned a laundry mat on Edmondson Avenue and in later years she was a popular vendor at local flea markets. She loved making and selling jewelry; but most importantly, she loved seeing others wear the jewelry she sold them. Henrietta also enjoyed traveling, bowling and occasionally going to local casinos! And she had a keen love for sports (particularly the Ravens and Serena Williams) and politics. She could have been a political pundit on MSNBC! Celebrating Henrietta's life and memory is her loving son, Alvin McCoy III (Cheryl); her grandchildren, Niles and Nia McCoy; one brother, Thomas Bennett (Eleanor); three sisters, Marie Scrivens, Darlene Bennett, Marlene Bennett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Henrietta ("Sister") was a true phenomenal woman. Gracious and smart. Devoted and committed to those she loved. She epitomized the essence of a woman, a phenomenal woman. A Public Viewing will be held Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD (21133). The Virtual Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 17, 2020 (Live Stream via Vaughn C. Greene Website) Wake at 10:30 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Henrietta's name to the American Diabetes Association. A celebration of Henrietta's life will be at a later date when we can congregate.