Benton, Annette Marven passed away peacefully on July18, 2024 from a stroke, while living independently at the Porthaven HealthCare Center. Annette was born November 1, 1938, in Crossett, Arkansas to Brooksie Sims and Eugene Benton. Her mother, Brooksie, worked for the Benson Hotel and her father, Eugene, found work during the construction of the Boulder (now Hoover) Dam. Her older brother, James Benton, also known as “Sweet Baby James” was a famous local jazz musician.
She graduated from Girls Polytechnic High School, completed some college courses, and then worked for Goodwill Industries. She is preceded in death by both parents and her brother James, and nieces Charlotte and Cynthia Benton. Annette and Dr. Merlin Harvey Johnson had a son, Dr. Benjamin Christensen (Twanda), whose birth name was Darin Gregory Benton, and has two grandchildren, Benjamin William and Jasmine Sofia Christensen. She leaves behind nieces Aaliyah Azeem, and Toni Lincoln, and a host of great nieces and nephews.
Sadly, many of our family members lost contact with Annette after the death of her mother Brooksie (Sims) Benton. Annette is remembered as a happy, bright, and engaging soul who loved singing at the family church, AME Zion, playing and entertaining the children during weekends and holidays. Her son Ben Christensen, with help from Annette's extended family members Bobby Fouther and Liz Fouther-Branch, found and connected with Annette after the death of her brother James.
Annette spent many years with her primary caregivers at the Porthaven Healthcare Center Assisted Living Facility. The entire family would like to extend appreciation to the many nurses, staff, and Bristol Hospice who served as extended family and caregivers. Also, special thanks to Greg Kafoury, her former personal attorney, advocate, and friend in her time of need. Additional thanks to the Johnson family (Linda Hummel Shelton & Cheryl Lewis) for their candor and inclusiveness. A huge thanks to Ancestry.com which facilitated Annette reconnecting with her son before her death. At Annette’s request, she will be flown home to be buried in the Sims family gravesite at the Westview Cemetery in Crossett, Arkansas.
You can honor Annette by supporting local foster care and adoption programs.