Wanda Benbow
May 22, 1953 — June 3, 2016
Wanda L. Benbow, of Warren, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord at 3:15 PM on Friday, June 3, 2016, while a patient of Mount Carmel St. Anne’s Hospital, Westerville, Ohio, following an extended illness. She was 63.
Ms. Wanda was born on May 22, 1953, in Warren, a daughter to Douglas E. & Lela (Dawson) Benbow.
A 1972 graduate from Warren Western Reserve High School, she furthered her education beginning at the Trumbull Branch of Kent State University studying to become a speech pathologist. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology from the main campus. Furthermore, she completed an interpreter program for the deaf as well.
She was a special education instructor for children with multiple handicaps and severe behaviors in the Warren City Schools. She served as the faculty adviser for the African-American youth Coalition, which led to her being instrumental with the introduction of Black history month to the Warren City Schools curriculum. She also coached Special Olympics in Warren and Trumbull County. She was the education director for Delaney Center and Warren interfaith for 10 years. She was co-founder and coordinator of the Korey Stringer Community Foundation. In addition, Wanda volunteered with the help Hotline, the Rape Crisis Center, and as a product manager for Girl Scout Troop 324. She was also a past president of the Negro Business and Professional Women of Ohio Valley.
Wanda was a member of the Second Baptist Church, Warren, and in her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, tutoring children, and working Relay for Life events.
She is survived by: her brothers, Douglas E. Benbow, San Francisco, California, Mark Allen Reed (Vivian), San Antonio, Texas, and William P. Strickland, III (Tami), Reynoldsburg, Ohio; her nephews, Mark A. Reed, Jr., Jamaal A. Dawson, William D. Strickland, Evan A. Reed, Darius P. Strickland, and Wesley M. Brooks; her nieces, Shana L. Eggleston and Alexandria M. Richards; her four great-nephews; her six great-nieces; and her father, Douglas, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lela Strickland.
A celebration of life service honoring Ms. Wanda will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 12 PM in the Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Avenue, SW, Warren, Ohio 44483. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the church service from 11-12. She will be laid to rest with her family in Pine view Cemetery, Warren.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com
Coordination of this tribute for Ms. Wanda will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135).