Benenia R. Butler

Of Homestead, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Bennie is survived by her loving Husband, James (Jim) Leonard and her only Child, Richard (Trebor) McKee. She is also survived by her Sisters; Charla Rolph (Danny Strickland) and Sally Knox; her Niece Leslie Knox and her Nephew Charles Knox.

Bennie was born July 29, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland to her parents Charles and Ernestine Rolph (deceased). Bennie’s father was a career officer in the Air Force and she spent her early school years traveling the world with her family.

Her family settled in Homestead, FL and Bennie graduated from South Dade Senior High School in 1965. Bennie’s love of travel started as a young child and upon graduation she was hired as a Flight Attendant with United Airlines. She flew the skies around the world for thirty-seven years.

In her final years before retirement she decided to come back to Homestead in 1997. Through mutual friends, she and her husband, Jim, reconnected and have been very happily married for thirteen years.

Bennie was an accomplished artist and enjoyed making jewelry and working on beautiful pieces of fused and stained glass, which she would donate to charities for their auctions. She served on the Board of Directors of The Little Angel’s Foundation.

Bennie Butler had a heart of gold. She was always the first to offer help to friends, family and strangers. Recently the City of Homestead spearheaded a Hurricane Sandy Relief Drive. Bennie not only volunteered to help, but volunteered to be the lead coordinator for all of the volunteers. Her smile was contagious and she never met a stranger.

She, her husband, Jim, and their doggy, Hobie, enjoyed spending time on their sailboat drifting through the Florida Keys. Her husband wants everyone to know, “She was the best first mate he ever had”.

A viewing is planned for Friday, March 1 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Branam Funeral Home, 809 N Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL. A memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated on behalf of Bennie to The Little Angel’s Foundation, 1283 Egret Road, Homestead, FL 33035.