Dr. Mary Ellen Bennett-Booker

Mary Ellen Thompson was born on May 13, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York to proud parents Leon and Ruth Thompson. She was surrounded by her loving family. This also included her extended family such as her loving grandmother, caring Aunt Maybelle and cousins. She would often reminisce about her life in Brooklyn and the time she spent in Jamaica, New York with her beloved Godmother, Aunt Mamie. Not only was she her Godmother, but dual role as role model and mentor. Aunt Mamie was a positive influence in Mary’s life. She attended public school in Brooklyn. She was very smart with an inquisitive mind. Mary’s parents were members of the Brownsville Seventh-Day Adventist Church in New York.Her mother was a pianist and her father played the violin. Mary watched her older sisters, Martha, Louise and Christine sing in church. Mary was often seen carrying her father’s violin in church. At Brownsville, she would also proudly recite memory verses each quarter. Eventually, Mary moved to Boston. This is where she realized the importance of an education. As a teenager she attended Shawmut Avenue, Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Massachusetts. The church was later named Berea Seventh-Day Adventist Church, in Roxbury MA. While attending there, she met and later married Jonas Shepard. Their union was blessed with three children, Jonas, Stephen and Tslane. Years later she married Julian Lawrence Bennett II and through this union they were blessed with one son, Julian. The knowledge Mary acquired from her studies enabled her to have diverse positions in health and in educational fields. Some of the place she worked included Beth Israel Hospital, Roxbury Comprehensive Health Center, Visiting Nurse Association/VNA and Bunker Hill Community College. After several years, she retired from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a Health Care Facility Inspector. Dedicating her life to education, Dr. Bennett was Chairperson of the board for the Berea S.D.A. Academy in Boston, Massachusetts. She also worked tirelessly to establish the Twenty-First Century Pre-School (D/B/A On The Road…Again). One thing that was steadfast with Mary was her love of music. She loved several genres of music. While driving, she frequently listened to classical music. She loved singing hymns, sacred music and gospel too. She sang in several church groups and choirs. Mary also sang with her sisters. Singing with her sisters became the foundation of the ensemble, Praise. The ensemble included other family members and some very talented singers from the Massachusetts area. Mary wanted Praise to sing internationally and the group did. Praise toured with the choir, Sharing a New Song. They sang in Russia, South Africa and Mary traveled to China with them. Her great quantity of suitcases caused interesting facial expressions on these trips, particularly by the other singers. However, it put a huge smile on the on the faces of the skycaps, as they would get a lovely, big tip. Praise’s name was to Just 4 Praize. Mary wrote several songs for their CD which was recorded in 2002. Her beautiful songs will live on. Under Mary’s leadership, this dynamic group was able to perform at the Gospel Music Workshop of America and appeared on one of Bobby. Jones’ nationally televised shows. They participated in several concerts nationally and at Gospel Nigh concerts with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Mary loved bringing her family, extended family and friends together at her home for dinners, celebrations and cookouts. Her table setting were elaborate and adorned with beautiful floral arrangements. She was a very generous person and made sure that everyone received Christmas, birthday and graduation gifts in her huge family. She loved clothing and was rarely seen wearing the same outfit twice. She had a love for shopping at the finest stores such as, Bloomindales, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor. Mary walked out of the house like she walked straight out of a fashion magazine. She was a collector of exquisite watches, elephant figurines, fine china and Lladro figurines. In her youth, she enjoyed tennis, racket ball and skating. Mary learned to swim at the YMCA (immediately after getting her doctorate degree) and loved going to the beach. In her youth, she enjoyed tennis, racket ball and skating. In her later years, she enjoyed walking around Cranes Roost with her sisters. Mary exhibited beauty, grace, dignity and class. She was mentor and touched many lives. Mary was known for being active in the Seventh-Day Adventist Churches. Her love of God and the church shaped her life. Use of scripture, prayer inspired her spiritually and gave her strength. Her love of music was a feeling she imparted in her children and grandchildren. Mary did follow in the footsteps of her mother and father. Love of family and education were a strong focus in her life. We can all receive a blessing from her passions and loves. On December 4, 2004, Mary married her darling husband, John Booker. They both loved music and shopping. Their love for one another could not be measured by years. They were happy times filled with joy and adoration. In 2011, Mary and John left Massachusetts and moved to Florida. They joined the Mount Olive Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she continued to serve her Master and her church. Nothing is past, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we shall meet again. Dr. Mary Ellen Bennett – Booker transitioned from earthly labor to reward, on Thursday May 27, 2021. She was a loving wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandparent, cousin and friend. Her parents, Ruth Elizabeth and Leon Thompson, her older brother Leon and younger brother Dr. Jonathan Thompson all preceded her in death. Mary’s beautiful spirit and smile will be forever cherished by her beloved Husband, John Booker; her four Children: Jonas Alphonso Shepard, Stephen Keith Shepard, Tslane Marie Shepard and Julian Lawrence Bennett, III; Grandchildren: Charisse, Tyler, Jonas, Jr., Jamiece, Dominique, Treon, Timothee, Danasia, Jamiah, Jianna, Brian, Joshua and Gabrielle; 2 Great Grandchildren: Christian and Caleb; Siblings: Martha Louise (Frank), Christine (Randall), Cheryl, Joel (Vicki), Marcita (Bill) and Ida; Sisters-in-law: Paula Thompson, Geneva Massey, Delores Booker and Shirley Wilson; a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, extended family members and Friends, including her dear Friend, Mrs. Iodiah Henry will forever remember Mary’s life and radiant smile.

Tributes

Dr. Mary Ellen Bennett-Booker

May 13, 1944 - May 27, 2021