Raymond Bennett Sr.

Raymond Willis Bennett, Sr., son of Estelle Miranda Bennett and Costen Samuel Bennett, Sr., was born on June 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C. He was the youngest brother of Shirley A. Berry, Costen S. Bennett, Jr., Octavia Leach, Nancy L. Muschette, Mildred E. Hall, and Stanley E. Bennett.

Raymond was also affectionately known to his family and friends as Smiley, a name given to him by his cousin Dale, based on the song “You Caught Me Smilin” by Sly and the Family Stone. He attended the schools of the District of Columbia and graduated from Anacostia Senior High School in 1972. After graduation, Raymond began working with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), located in Prince George's County, where he labored in the spirit of excellence for 44 years and was blessed to retire in 2016. Raymond loved to play softball. He was a very humble, soft-spoken, and kind man. Raymond loved his family and was always willing to help others.

There was a time in Raymond’s life when he fell in love and was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Leslie Bennett. God blessed this union, and to this union was born one son, Raymond Willis Bennett, Jr. In his later years, Raymond decided to move his residence, and in February 2020, he relocated to the Eastern Shore of Delaware, where he resided until his transition. Once he was moved into his new home, he immediately joined New Genesis Rock of Love Christian Ministries (NGRL). Senior Pastor Dupree J. Johnson was led by God and inspired by the Holy Spirit, and on November 13, 2022, he historically installed Raymond Bennett as the first Deacon. Deacon Bennett was battlefield-ready for the Lord. He served communion, visited the sick and shut-in, and was a co-servant to the trustee board. He could always be found making sure every person was properly prepared in the presence of God, especially men who wore hats in the sanctuary. He loved to praise the Lord and shake his yellow or red tambourine. Deacon Bennett’s favorite scripture was Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." His favorite song was by the Chicago Mass Choir, “Hold to God's Unchanging Hand.” Deacon Bennett loved his church, and the church members loved him. He was highly respected by all, every member, including the oldest member, who was aged 99, affectionately called him Uncle Raymond. His presence and spirit will truly be missed. New Genesis Rock of Love Christian Ministries (NGRL) expressed their gratitude that they had the opportunity to know and serve with him, as they called him, a “Giant of a Man.”

Raymond’s parents, Estelle Miranda Bennett and Costen Samuel Bennett, Sr., his siblings, Shirley A. Berry, Costen S. Bennett, Jr., Octavia Leach, and Stanley E. Bennett, preceded him in death. Raymond peacefully departed this life on February 26, 2026.

Raymond leaves to cherish his loving memory, his son, Raymond Willis Bennett, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Ashley Bennett; two grandsons, Rasaan A. Bennett and Xavier H. Bennett; two sisters, Nancy L. Muschette and Mildred E. Hall; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.