Rosalie Margaret Benston

Rosalie Margaret Benston, daughter of the late Martha S. and Samuel D. Benston, was born in Philadelphia on February 11, 1928. At an early age, Rosalie confessed her belief in Christian discipleship and was baptized in Nazerne Baptist Church in Philadelphia by the late Reverend George L. Davis.

Rosalie was educated in the Philadelphia school system, beginning at Kenderton Elementary, to Gillespie Jr. High and Simon Gratz. Upon graduating, Rosalie began a long career in the clerical field. After several years in private industry, Rosalie began a long career with the Federal Government. Starting in the Dept of Commerce, as a Code Verifier, then to the Veterans Administration, Treasure Dept., Courier for the Dept of the Army., Dept of the Navy and last the United States Marine Corps Supply Activity. Upon leaving the government, after almost 24 years. Rosalie went to work for the City of Philadelphia, Streets Dept. as a Payroll Clerk. That position lasted for 19 years until she retired for health reasons.

Rosalie had a unique way of winning friends, young and old. She was light-hearted, funny, a good listener. Always willing to try and help with a bit of "heart-to-heart" conversation. Rosalie was a avid reader. She also loved to crochet and knit, making some beautiful sweaters, shawls, afghans and such. Rosalie lived a wholesome and joyful life. She traveled yearly, visiting places such as: Puerto Rico, Virgin Isles, St. Crox, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Mexico- Ixtapa, Cancun, St. Lucia, Venezuela, Curacao, Bahamas, Jamaica, -Montego, Hawaii-Kono, Caracas, Aruba, Ocho Rios, visiting some islands more than once. Her favorite being Aruba. Over the 35 years of traveling Rosalie met many people from different parts of the world some she has kept in touch with all these years. Some friendships going back to 1970. Rosalie stopped traveling after she said: "I got tired of taking off my shoes and hat and now they want to check your underwear!".

Rosalie's quick smile and sassy comments, along with those one-of-a-kind expressions will be truly missed by many people and friends that had had the chance to know her

She leaves to mourn her passing, relatives in the states of Virginia and Maryland as well as many friends.