Benzina Bond

Benzina Bond, affectionately known as "Footney" by her family, was born on May 29, 1936, in Newberry, South Carolina, as the second eldest daughter of the late Ethel and M.C. Wilson. During her childhood, her family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she continued her education and later graduated from Bok Technical High School. While in school, she was a proud member of the varsity badminton team. After moving to North Philadelphia, Benzina began her career as a seamstress, working in several clothing factories throughout the city. She was a dedicated member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union until her retirement in the late 1990s. She often took great pride in knowing that some of the children's outfits she crafted were featured on soap operas such as General Hospital. Beyond her work, Benzina found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved being surrounded by family, especially her children and sisters, and she had a passion for cooking soul food, often sharing meals with neighbors. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching Westerns, soap operas, and game shows, listening to country and classic soul music, and cheering on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. In 2000, Benzina moved from North Philadelphia to Delaware County, where she became an active member of the local Senior Community Center, enjoying Bingo, casino trips, and social gatherings. It was there that she was affectionately called "Bennie" by her friends. In 2007, she relocated to Episcopal Place at Park Row in Chester, PA, where she served as a dedicated member of the Resident’s Council for several years. She joined Community Baptist Church in Chester, PA on July 25, 2010, where she was cherished for her warm spirit, radiant smile, and her famous bread pudding. Benzina remained active until her health declined in 2020, when she made the decision to enter a nursing home. Even in her later years, she continued to participate in social activities whenever her health allowed. On the morning of February 18, 2025, at the age of 88, Benzina peacefully transitioned to her eternal home after a short time in the hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and M.C. Wilson; her sisters, Vivian “Vivie” Lloyd, Elizabeth “Coot” Lewis, and Nancy “Pumpkin” Horton; and her godmother, Leslie Cobbs. Benzina’s memory will forever be cherished by her daughters, Deena Wilson and Lynn Williams; her son, William “Greg” Bond; her granddaughters, Kafi Chism (Maurice) and Ashley Hairston; her great-grandchildren, Janae and Maurice Chism, II; her sister, Pauline Harris; her godsister, Mary Powell; her longtime friend, Aquila Allen; her countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her beloved church family. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Benzina Bond

May 29, 1936 - February 18, 2025