Willie O. Bennett

Willie O. Bennett departed this life on August 14th, 2026, in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Willie was born on March 25th, 1936, in Newberg South Carolina to Johnny Strothers and Rebecca Simpkins. The family lived in Sumpter SC, and then Youngs Village, in Fort Belvoir, VA., before settling in Washington, DC. Willie was bused to attend school at Luther Jackson High School in Merryfield, VA. Due to segregation, where he was the first class to graduate. Before going to Germany, Willie was adopted by Thomas Bennett and relocated to Youngs Village, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

It was while living in Youngs Village that Willie met his future wife, Betty G. Thomas. Their love blossomed, and they were united in holy matrimony on November 9, 1957, at her parents’ home on 4th Street, NW, in Washington, DC. Out of this union four beautiful children were born.

During their marriage, he enjoyed the many family outings and day trips that Betty planned, creating new adventures and lasting memories for their children. During the early years of their marriage, Willie could often be found working on the church building or painting someone’s home on his days off. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

In 1970, Willie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He attended Riggs Park Baptist Church, where he established the foundation of his Christian faith. He later joined New Dawn Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon and Head Trustee and was a member of the Spiritual Voices Men’s Group. His faith and commitment to serving others were important parts of his life.

Willie was a dedicated and hardworking man throughout his career. He worked several jobs, including as a sorter at the Main Post Office, where he was affectionately known as “Speedy.” He later worked as a clerk for the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C., where his dedication and hard work led to his promotion to supervisor before his retirement. He also worked as a butcher at A&P, which later became Grand Union.

Past Master Willie O. Bennett dedicated 49 years of faithful service to Prudence Lodge No. 27, PHA, and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Joining in 1977, he rose to serve as Worshipful Master in 1986 and later became Lodge Secretary. His extensive legacy includes membership in Jonathan Davis Consistory No. 1, Mecca Temple No. 10 (where he helped establish the “Strollers” division), and earning the grand rank of Worshipful Assistant Grand Secretary Emeritus (WAGSE).

Willie is survived by his children: Alister Bennett (Nina), Maria Bailey (Michael), Kathy Bennett-Hill (Stephen, deceased), and Willie S. Bennett Sr. (Bernadette); brothers: Curtis Bennett (Adrian) and Terry Bennett; sisters: Johnetta Weldon (Jimmy) and Selita Bennett-White (Bobby); sisters-in-law: Esta Thomas (Jake, deceased) and Melinda Bennett; grandchildren: Alister Bennett Jr. (Rhonda, deceased), Dimitrius Bennett, Darnell Bennett, Jerrell Scott, Indya Scott, and Brian Reid; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends.

Willie was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Betty G. Bennett; his parents, Johnny Strothers and Rebecca Simpkins; his adopted father, Thomas Bennett; his brothers, Thomas Bennett and William Bennett; his sisters, Maizie Long, Margerette Davis, and Betty-Jean Sylvester; his grandson, Willie S. Bennett, Jr.; and his brothers-in-law, Aubrey Thomas (Vera) and Jack Thomas.

Visitation will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on September 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on September 5, 2026, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Committal will follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on September 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm.