ASHTABULA — Dorothy Jeanette Siler passed away on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012.
She was born on March 24, 1927, to Roy and Lucille (Jackson) Siler in Rockwood, Tenn. As a young woman at the age of 14, she met and wed Hence Johnson, who served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. The Johnson’s welcomed their daughter Barbara Ann in 1941. In 1944, at the age of 17, Dorothy migrated to Ashtabula, Ohio along with her parents, in pursuit of a better life. Several years later, she met and married Charles Benton, with whom she shared over 60 years. To this union, Fredia and Lauren were born.
Dorothy received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1958, and joined her family as a member of Hiawatha Church of God In Christ, which was under the leadership of the Late Bishop Robert L. Chapman. As her faith grew, so did her involvement in the church. Under the leadership of Supt. David Howard Jr., she lead the adult Sunday School class and played an active role on Hiawatha's Senior Mother's Board; as well as in Morning and Noon day prayer times at the church. Her love for God showed in her appreciation for his house and she committed her Saturdays to beautifying it for Sunday Worship. To her, this was the least she could do for the God who had blessed her with life, health, and strength. Dorothy is best remembered for her dedication to praising God.
An amazing woman who always found time to give, she leaves behind a beautiful legacy graced with her warmth, her wit, her feisty personality, love of cooking and passion for God and family.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Charles; three daughters, Barbara A. Whipple, Fredia Benton and Lauren Benton, all of Ashtabula; two step-daughters, Willie Jean Turner of Ashtabula and Deanna (Willie) Hughes of Greensboro, N.C.; one brother, Robert (Gwen) Siler of Marion; two sisters, Patricia Gant of Columbus and Sharon (Lawrence) Smith of Sioux Falls, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hence Johnson; her father, Roy Siler; her mother, Lucille Siler-Ellis; and stepfather, Thedford Ellis; her sister, Evelyn (Siler) DeCastro; and two of her brothers, William Curtis Siler Sr. and Jimmy Lee Siler.
A Calling Hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., with a Service at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 5th, at Hiawatha COGIC, 3417 Hiawatha Ave., Ashtabula. Pastor Loretta Pernice, of Elim Christian Center, will officiate with Supt. David Howard, of Hiawatha COGIC, delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville.
DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
