Frankie Jewel Benson

CELEBRATING A GLORIOUS LIFE

Mrs. Frankie Jewel Benson was gifted to the world on March 27, 1940, to her loving parents, Mrs. Lizzie DeSue and Mr. Milton DeSue, in Panama City, Florida. She graduated from Rosenwald High School and soon met her husband of 62 years, Edward M. Benson, while he served in the Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. They united in marriage on February 16, 1961, and later had three wonderful children.

Frankie accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. So many have received the joy of her salvation and the Light of her smile as she would often share: “I found the Lord when I was 11 years old and been on fire for Him ever since!"

Frankie, being a military wife, was able to travel extensively during her husband’s years of service, including Texas, the Philippines, and Germany (her favorite). She proudly served and retired from federal civil service after her husband's last military assignment at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Frankie worked tirelessly alongside her husband within their ministry at home, the church, and abroad. She always taught that ministry should start at home before you try and spread it somewhere else. Frankie was an adamant Bible reader and an effective teacher of God's Word. She co-founded Ed and Frankie Benson Evangelistic Ministries and proudly served as the beloved First Lady of Shining Light Worship Center for 28 glorious years in Lancaster, California.

Frankie loved and served God with all her heart, soul, and strength as an honorable wife and a proud and loving mom as she enjoyed every minute she could with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which always included a bounty of treats and gifts wrapped in the most loving hugs on the planet.

Frankie was a loyal friend and a godly mentor to countless others. She carried herself as one on royal assignment—dressed to the hilt with everything matching from head to toe, regal and welcoming to everyone she met. Frankie’s ministry mission fields were everywhere she went spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She didn’t just talk about the love of Jesus; she demonstrated it with her whole heart having no reserves and no regrets all the way to glory when she transitioned into her Savior’s arms on August 12, 2023, at 83 years old.

Frankie was preceded in death by her mother, Lizzie “Susie” Desue, and her father, Milton DeSue; her caring brothers, Samuel DeSue and Leon Desue; and her dear sister, Rosa (Joe) Turner. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Pastor Edward M. Benson Jr., her dedicated son, Edward (Diana) Benson III; her devoted daughters, Rhonda Younger and Etasha (Dean) Arnold; her dear sister, Beatrice (Robert) Williams; beloved grandchildren: Brent (Suzie) Benson, Jacqueline (Keenan) McRoberts, Arron Benson, Jessica Younger, Chelsy Younger, Tessa Cornelius, Korey (Shirhonda) Arnold, Justin Arnold, Etasha Caston; adorable great-grandchildren: Mykal Arnold, Jourdin Arnold, Joshua Arnold, Avery Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, Korey “Koko” Arnold Jr., Jayden Smith, Tanner Smith, Reigha McRoberts, Alora McRoberts, Adrian Benson, along with cherished nephews and nieces; other beloved relatives, including her spiritual adopted children, treasured church family, and amazing friends—young and old, near and far will all miss her dearly.

Flowers may be sent to “Frankie Benson’s Family” via the following address, which will accept deliveries Monday-Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (PT):

Joshua Memorial Park & Mortuary, 808 East Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535, (661) 942-8125