Phillip Lee Bennett (Muhammad)

April 20, 1929 - July 29, 2020

Phillip L. Bennett (Muhammad) was born to the union and George Leon and Arda Mae Bennett on April 29, 1929 in Marks, Mississippi, a family of sharecroppers. His father a minister with a printing press is his living room. His mother was a strong, fearless and domesticated and loving woman. Phillips’s growing up as a sharecropper’s son was very difficult in Mississippi because of the time and the only child for 16 years. His life in the south was threatened. He went as far as the 8th grade. On April 9, 1947, Phillip received a Certificate of Attainment for satisfactorily completing the course of study for public schools in Quitman County, MS. Later on, in Harvey, Illinois, Phillip received a Certified Nursing Assistance Certificate to take care of a dear friend, Mary Joe, for many years who preceded him in death. Dad was a loving and spiritual man; the reason he was misunderstood. His passion for Islam caused many to misunderstand him, at one point he was slapped in the face but he was also a forgiver which was amazing to many. He became a Deacon while living in Robbins, IL under Rev. George Funches, his father-in-law. In 1969, dad accepted Islam as his faith under The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan until Allah, God called him home. Dad worked at Gilbert and Bennett Fence Manufacturing Company for many decades leaving at retirement. He was a small business owner of mail orders in his home and a clothing store for his children (smile). He loved his children dearly. In 1946, Marks, MS, he married Dylaster Bennett (who preceded him in death). From this union were born Loretta Bennett (Bowman) and Lewis Bennett. In 1952, Robbins, IL, he married Ruth D. Funches (who preceded him in death). From this union were born Debra L. Bennett, Victoria (e) A. Bennett, Catherine Bennett (who preceded him in death), Phillip Leon Bennett (who preceded him in death) and Grace Bennett (Jamillah Muhammad). His other beloved children Sweetie Pie and Buck. In 1958, Robbins, IL, he married Freedie Mae Goldman (who preceded him in death). From that union were born Dyahnne Ware, Selester Goldman, Phillip Bennett Jr. (who preceded him in death) and Milland Goldman. Also, dad’s beloveds who preceeded him in death were, his brothers Wilson Wright, George Bennett and Amos Bennett, and two sisters unknown due to living conditions in Mississippi during the 1800s and 1900s. Dad leaves his loving memories to be cherished to, his sister Gloria E. Bennett (Petty); daughters Loretta Bennett (Bowman), Victoria Bennett (Davis), Grace Bennett (Jamillah Muhammad), Milland Goldman, Dyahnne Ware and Sugar Pie; sons Selester Goldman and Buck Bennett; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.