Loretta Patricia Bennett

Loretta Patricia Bennett was born to Ethelyn E. Bennett and Luivie S. Bennett on August 15, 1958 in New York, NY. She departed this life on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. Loretta spent her formative years in Jamaica, NY. She attended elementary school at P.S. 155. She lived, played, cried and thrived on "the block" (141st Street) and in Ajax Park. She formed many life long friends and memories during those years. From playing Red Light-Green Light 123, tag, punchball, jacks, hop scotch, double-dutch and handball. Loretta enjoyed a wonderful, happy, and enviable childhood. After finishing her education at Richmond Hill High School, Loretta began working for the State of NY in 1979. She had a natural talent for helping others, and became a Developmental Coordinator in residential group-homes, providing services to the mentally challenged community. As was her nature, she became close to the residents and would often bring them to family gatherings, cookouts, and events. Loretta's great pride and joy was her family. She produced all boys De'Shaun Vleet born 1978, Marquis Keenan born 1981, and Messiah Sylvannus born 1999. It was her utmost desire to be both caring mother, and devoted friend to her children. In 2005, Loretta relocated to St. Augustine, Florida to help care for her mother. She continued in her Resdential Caregiving Role, and ended her career having devoted over 30 years in this capacity. Loretta enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, movies, dancing, and road trips. She had an incredibly bubbly personality. She laughed hard and often. Loretta was outgoing, friendly and extremely down to earth. Anyone that knew her can attest to her ablility to 'burn' in the kitchen. Loretta is now reunited with her firstborn son De'Shaun, and her loving parents. She is survived by her children Marquis and Messiah, her daughter in law Natasha and grandchild Marcus, her brothers Bruce and Reggie, nieces and nephews: Danielle, Nigel, Wa-ki, Reggie Jr., Tiffany, Tori, lifelong friends: Linda, Diane and Monique, and a host of relatives and friends. A Celebration of Loretta's life will be 5 p.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Jamaica 7th Day Adventist Church, 8828 163rd Street, Jamaica, NY. She will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Queens, NY.

Loretta Patricia Bennett

August 15, 1958 - September 25, 2019