Christopher Columbus Bennett

Christopher Columbus Bennett, Jr., son of Margo Kearney and Christopher Bennett was born on February 24, 1990 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his residence in Washington, D.C. surrounded by loved ones.

Christopher attended James E. Duckworth Regional School in Beltsville, MD from ages 3-5 years old where he participated in wheelchair olympic races alongside of his peers. Christopher attended Margaret Brent Regional School and Melvin Sharpe Health School from ages 6 to 12 years old. Christopher transitioned to St. Coletta of Greater Washington School at age 13 and graduated from St. Coletta at 21 years old. Despite Christopher’s physical and intellectual incapabilities, he was always one of the most joyful and vibrant students in the classroom. Christopher attended United Cerebral Palsy Day Program in Washington, D.C. from ages 21 to 25 and Innovative Day Program in Washington, D.C from ages 26 to 29 years old. Christopher received additional in-home care to support needs by his home health aid of 13 years, Ms. Tamika Woodward. Christopher’s late grandparents, Chester and Geneva were very intentional about ensuring he attended school, social events and day programs to engage in occupational, physical and speech therapy on a daily basis to improve his mobility and engagement with others.

Christopher truly enjoyed spending time with his grandparents watching game shows, attending school, participating in holiday recitals, watching his favorite cartoon shows, listening to music, going for a stroll in his wheelchair with his mother to local community events and talking on the phone to family and friends. Christopher also enjoyed traveling with his grandparents to North Carolina to visit family during the holidays and South Carolina with his parents as well. Christopher always expressed happiness and excitement when surrounded by family. He was truly the sunshine of our lives! Christopher taught his family the beauty of love, patience and kindness.

He leaves to cherish his memories with his mother, Margo Kearney and late father Christopher C. Bennett of Washington, D.C; late maternal grandparents, Chester and Geneva Kearney of Washington, D.C; late paternal grandparents, Ida Mae and James Bennett of South Carolina; four sisters, Megan Kearney and Crystal Woodley of Washington, D.C, Angela White Crawford and late Alonia “Maxine” White Montgomery of South Carolina; two brothers, Malik Kearney of Washington, D.C and Austin Chandler; two nieces, Morgan Marshall and Reign Wheeler of Washington, D.C.; great aunt, Rev. Mary Hezekiah Faison of Camp Springs, MD; great uncle, Lawrence (Sally) Williams of Kinston, NC; two aunts, Christine (Tommy) Williams and Teretha (Rupert) Bennett-Hanna of New York, three uncles; late Gregory Kearney of Washington, D.C., William “Sonny” (Edna) Bennett of South Carolina and Alonzo “Bubba” Bennett of North Carolina and also a host of extended aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.