The Lee and Bennett Family History

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It all began when Henry Lee and Ora Bennett met and fell in love and united in Holy matrimony in 1902. Their first daughter was born and they named her Alonia Gladestine. In 1908 their second daughter was born and they named her Mary Birdie. After her birth they packed up and moved to Doddsville, Ms., near Tunica.

The first born child Alonia died in 1911, at and young age. Henry and Ora moved from plantation to plantation to the keep fed and clothed. They didn't have a formal education, but their faith is God was strong and they had each other. Henry taught himself what he needed to know. He learned to survive, work hard and ask the the plantation owner for what he needed. He was different from Negroes of his generation because he didn't fear white people.

He learned of their ways and used it to provide for his family. After the riding tidy of the Mississippi flood in 1927, and the depression they were able to survive because they had God on their side.  They loved and nurtured their children into fine and proud of their own. Henry provided well for his family under these circumstance. His children had plenty to eat, properly clothed and always had a place to stay. He was the first black man to own a automobile in the town he lived in. People would walk for miles to get him to take them to the doctor and other places.

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They worked hard to gather the crops and make ends meet. On Saturday nights in the they would go to town. After working hard all week, they looked forward to Saturday nights on the town.  The old fashion virtues of working hard, serving the Lord and honesty were a must in the Lee/Bennett Family.  The children were taught to love and respect themselves, their parents, and the elders. All Henry's brothers stayed with him at one time. Ora would say, "the Lord blessed them so they could help some else".

On Sunday it was time to to got church and give thanks to the Lord for his many blessing during the week. The children would walk to Sunday school and they would follow in the wagon before they purchased a car. Ora loved her house and often styled him at church.

After the harvest was reaped, the hogs killed, meat cured, grain grinded, can cut and syrup made, they would help their neighbors. Henry was well known for making syrup and the he had his own mill. Neighbors would come from a far to bring their sorghum and he would cook the syrup while the women gathered to can vegetable and fruits preserves the winter.

Once all the supplies were ordered and stored the women would start quilting and the family was ready for a long winters. After the creditors were paid and they received the furnish money would share what was left, which wasn't very much.

The children attend the nearest school. At that time the most school were in the old church building because the attendance was so poor. During the winter it would be so cold and the school located miles from their home, but they to go, come rain, sleet or snow they went to school.

In 1925, they lived on the Dower Luster's plantation and in 1927 the moved  to Street Toler's plantation in Sunflower County. They later moved Beasley Bayou in 1935 located in Isola, Ms. and on the Warren Gardner's plantation in 1939 in Sliver City, Mississippi.


Source: The Lee-Bennett Family Reunion Booklet. The pictures used in this article were taken from the Lee/Bennett Family Reunion Booklet.

Obsequies of the Late Sister Mattie Lee Stewart

Mattie Lee Stewart
1916-1987

Mattie was a devoted wife and mother, on who always put the interest of her family first. She saw to it that her children were given the best that she could provide in loving care, spiritual nourishment, and material comforts.

Mattie, was the fifth daughter of Robert E. and Ella Bennett Lee. She was born in St. Helena Parish on January 19, 1916. She became a christian at an early age and was member of Greater Turner Chapel until death.

She leaves to mourn in her passing: her husband, J. W. Stewart, Sr; one son: Superintendent J. W. Stewart, Jr.; one daughter: Lillie Mae Tillery, both of Greensburg, LA.; four sisters: Caretha Bulter, Lillie Stewart, Mary Lee Wicker, and Velma Lee all of Greensburg and Tom Lee Silver City, Ms.; one foster brother: Emmitt Perry of New Orleans; on e daughter-in-law: Levoria Pope Stewart: Willie Tillery of New Orleans, LA.; four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Obsequies for Sister Lizzie Lee

Lizzie Lee
1907-1977

Sister Lizzie Lee, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Jackson, was born September 23, 1907. She was married to Mr. Gene Lee and to this union 7 children were born.  Her oldest child, Mr. Edward Lee preceded her in death.

At an early age she was converted and later accepted the calling of God to go out into the world and preach His Gospel to all. She was a faithful member of Mount Everett A. M.E. Methodist Church until death.

On Tuesday, August 16th at 12:55 o'clock p.m., at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, the angel of heaven came into the hospital and with chilly fingers sealed the lips of Sister Lizzie Lee. Her soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of eternal rest.

She leaves to mourn a husband, Mr. Gene Lee of Montpelier, LA., Three daughter: Mrs. Helen Spears and Mrs. Lucille Collins of New Orleans, LA., and Mrs. Frankie Wright of Baton Rouge, La., Three sons: Moses James Lee and Wilbert Lee of New Orleans, LA., and Leon Lee of Hammond, La., The God-given mother of Mrs. Mateldia Rankins and Charles Robertson. One brother, Willie Jackson. Three sister: Mrs. Ceola Freeman, Mrs. Viola Green and Mrs. Carrie White all of New Orleans, La., Tow brother-in-law: Mr. Cleveland Spears and Mr. Robert Collins of New Orleans, and Prentiss Wright of Baton Rouge, LA., Four daughters-in-law: Mrs. Irene and Mrs. Marie Lee of New Orleans, LA., Mrs. Kate Lee of Hammond, LA., and Mrs. Mary Lee of Los Angles, California. Twenty-two grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary of Collection of Cletis Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies of Brother Hollis Tillery

Hollis Tillery
1913-1992

Brother Hollis Tillery was born to the union of Willie and Nora Tillery, August 10, 1913 and departed this life January 19, 1992 in St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA at 2:00 a.m., He was a member of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. He taught school in St. Helena Parish.

Hew as united in wedlock to Ruby Gordon and to this union one daugther was born: Donnal T. Wilson. Later years he married Mrs. Lillie V. Tillery. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Mrs. Lille V. Tillery; sister, Mrs. Elnora Wall of Fluker, LA; one step daughter, fours step sons, 8 sisters-in-law, one brothers-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletius Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies of Sister Minnie Lee Stewart

Minnie Lee Stewart
1907-1987

Minnie, was the second daughter of Robert E. and Ella Bennett Lee, was born in St. Helena Parish. She was brought up in the fear of the Lord, became a Christian at an early age and was a member of Turner Chapel until her death.

She was united in Holy Matrimony in Ebbie David Stewart, Sr., and to this union eight children were born. Three children were born by a former marriage. She invested her talents in helping and giving advice to others. She was charter member of Eagle Chapter #113 O.E.S.

She was preceded in death by her parents. One Son; Arthur: One daughter, Robertstine: one brother. Nathaniel Lee: and one grandson, Charles E. Kane.

This loyal wife, mother, sister, daughter and friends leaves to mourn her passing: her devoted husband Ebbie David Stewart, Sr., six daughters: Sophia Kane of Portland, OR, Ruby Washington of Sacramento, CA, Rosa Campbell and Mayola Tillery of Greensburg, LA, Gracie of Zachary, LA., Josie Gordon of New Orleans, LA.: Three sons: Ebbie, Jr., of Oakland, CA, Willie Lee and Jesse Stewart of New Orleans, LA; two grandchildren whom she reared: Semmie Martin of Baton Rouge, LA., and Kevin Stewart of Greensburg, LA., two stepchildren: Caretha Martin of New Orleans and Warren Martin of Hammond, LA.; five sisters: Caretha Butler, Lillie and Mattie Stewart. Mary Lee Wicker and Velma Lee all of Greensburg: two brother. Moore Lee of Greensburg and Tom Lee of Silver City, MS: one foster brother: Emmitt Perry of New Orleans: three daughters-in-law: Barbara Stewart of Oakland, CA. Catherine and Annette Stewart of New Orleans, LA; five sons-in-law: Ed Clark, William Campbell. Bounce Tillery, Freddie brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law. 25 children, 26 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.


Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletis Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies for Fred Overton

Fred Overton
1897-1968

The quiet manner and useful life, the gentle speech in the life of Brother Fred Overton attracted people to him, and his conscientious service as a trustee, community worker, class leader and benevolent president won the hearts of both races.

He lived a very useful and peaceful lie. He was a devoted husband and father. He was interested in the well-being of his children and everyone in the community. In times of work, indecision, confusion and strife, and in progress, he was looked to for guidance in advice.

On January 15, 1968 the angel of death came and bore the bright spirit of Brother Overton away to the land that is free from the heartaches of this earth. Fred Overton was born to the union of Mrs. Jane Gordon and Overton and Rev. William Overton on September 11, 1897 in Greensburg, LA. in 1918 he was united in holy matrimony to Miss Daisy Stewart. To this union thirteen children was boon. He was reared with a love for God, people and progress.

To mourn in passing he leaves his wife, Mrs. Daisy Stewart Overton; five daughters- Mrs. Lucille Jackson and Mrs. Viola Hurst of Greensburg, LA., Mrs. Izola Millican of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. Bertha Montgomery of Marina, Calif., Miss Doris Overton and Mrs. Ermentrude O. Sheard of Philadelphia, Pa.,  a foster daughter Mrs. Margurite P. Overton of Greensburg, La.; five sons, Charlie and Joe of Greensburg, La., John of Metairie, LA., Fred, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA., Rev. Edward Overton of Ardmore, Pa; one brother, Willie Overton of Greensburg, La.; five sisters, Mrs. Alma Douglas, Greensburg, La., Mrs. Martha Overton, Mrs. Lillie Emerson, Mrs. Pearl Spark of New Orleans, La., Mrs. Candaisy Donald of Pine Grove, La., thirty-three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, a host of in-laws, other relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletius Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies of Brother Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee 

Brother Robert E. Lee was born to Mrs. Caroline Clark and Mr. Presley Lee, July 5, 1879 in St. Helena Parish. He was reared in the atmosphere of a christian home and converted at an early age, united with Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in St. Helena Parish.

He lived a very useful and peaceful life. He was a devoted husband and father. He was interested in the well-being of his children and everyone in the community. In times of work, confusion, strife, and progress, he was looked to for guidance, encouragement and advice.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Mrs. Ella Bennett who preceded him in death. To this union eight children were born. He leaves to mourn his passing six daughters;  Minnie, Mattie, and Lillie Stewart, Velma Lee, Mary Wicker and Caretha Butler all of Greensburg, La.; one foster daughter; Mrs John Ella Richardson of New Orleans, LA.; three sons; Monroe and Nathaniel Lee of Greensburg, LA., and Tom Lee of Silver City, Miss.; one foster son; Emmitt Perry of New Orleans, LA; two brothers; Sam and Arthur Lee of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Approximately 50 grandchildren, 100 great grandchildren, six sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary collection of Cletis Gordon Sr.

The Obsequies of Daisy Stewart Overton

Daisy Overton
1900-1976

Sister Daisy S. Overton joined church and baptized at an early age. Her Christian life was  the fragrance of a beautiful rose and her influence will ever live in whatever place she has resided. She has been faithful and ardent worker in the church. Attended church regularly and saw to it the family group attended with her.

Today we are silent, to pay tribute to then of God's gentle women upon whose head rests a crown studded with sparkling jewels of her golden deeds. Always putting Christ first in whatever she did. She was devoted wife and mother who saw to it that her children were given the best she could provided in loving care, spiritual nourishment, and material comforts. This example she lives daily will ever be a goal for her family to strive to reach.

She invested her many talents into every broadening, good work which she good find. She was active in many auxiliaries, every ready to do what was needed. She was always alert as how she could help, comfort and cheer someone who was more needy than herself. He days were filled with helpful and absorbing work. She visited the sick and the sorrowing, taught Sunday School and won many you hearts for the Master.  Her life was full and happy. She was a lovable character, a person everyone chose to have as a friend and willing to be a friend to all. She left a living example of loving service, worthy of emulation, which tribute should bear some comfort for her loved ones. But when the sun of life reach it zenith, with the brightness of a well-spent life has ended.

Daisy Stewart was born to the union of Mrs. Ada Thomas Stewart and Rev. Ebbie Stewart, date April 8, 1900 in Clinton, LA., In 1918 she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Fred Overton to this union thirteen children were born.

To mourn her passing she leave; five daughter: Mrs. Lucille Reed and Mrs Doris Johnson, New Orleans, La., Mrs. Bertha Montgomery, Pemberton, N.J., Mrs. Viola Hurst, Greensburg, LA., Mrs, Izola Millican, Oakland, California, and a foster daughter: Mrs. Margurite P. Overton, Greensburg.; four sons: Rev Edward Overton, Ardmore, PA., Mr. Fred Overton Jr., Philadelphia, PA., Mrs. Charlie Overton and Mr. Joe Overton, Jr., Greensburg, LA.; three sisters: Mrs. Bertha Hall, Mrs. Velma Irving, Greensburg, LA., Mrs. Imogene Jones, Houston, TX and four brothers: Mr. J.W. Stewart, Mr. Cleveland Stewart, Mrs. Ebbie Stewart, Greensburg, LA., and Dr. Alfred Stewart, Donaldsonville, LA., 55 grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, a host of in-laws, relatives and friends