- Date Of Birth: September 10, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 17, 2019
- State: Maryland
Beloved Benson was the youngest of 8 children born September 10, 1927 to Mr. Willie and Mary Washington. He was raised and educated in Hopewell, Virginia. He graduated from Carter B. Woodson School June, 1946.
After completing high school, he attended Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA from 1948 to 1950. He then joined the United States Army serving as a Communications soldier until 1952.
The Journey
After his military service he returned to Virginia State College and continued his journey to Washington, DC where he studied Electrical Commercial Wiring.
On June 16, 1956, Benson married Eunice and their union was blessed with three children Vanessa, Michael and Sharell.
Shortly after his marriage, he was employed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 35 years where he retired as an Engineer.
In 1974 Benson entered into Freemasonry under the guidance of John Johnson, Worshipful Master of Andrew J. Evans Lodge #102, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland. His hard work and dedication saw him serving this Lodge as Worshipful Master on four different occasions.
He was a member of various bodies within the Masonic family to include; Andrew J. Evans Lodge #102 F&AM (PM), Prince Hall Lodge #38 F&AM (HON), Mount Moriah Chapter #119 HRAM (PHP), Alpha Council #1 R&SM and Maggie B. Williams Chapter #55 OES, P.H.A.).
His long-standing motto throughout the years of masonry remained:
“We must keep the engine ahead of the boxcars”
Working Hands and Hobbies
Benson started his career as a masonry brick layer. In 1961 he and Eunice bought a two-lot property, and he built his ‘yellow’ house. Later, he built a brick tool house and outdoor fireplace. In 1999 he replaced the yellow siding and self-bricked the entire house in 3 months. He enjoyed sewing, writing wiring circuity, fixing anything broken, and watching basketball, the Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles.
Family & Friends
Benson leaves behind to cherish his memories, his devoted and loyal wife of 62 years Eunice Washington, his three children Vanessa Washington, Michael Washington and Sharell Washington; one grandson Derrick Jackson (Jennifer), three grandchildren Maya Jackson, Jillian Jackson and Gwendolyn Jackson; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Eternal Resting Place
On the evening of Sunday, March 17, 2019, the Lord called Benson Washington to his eternal resting place. We miss you dearly dad.
