[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 52 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CHARLIE RICHARD AND ORA LEE BENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
and Mrs. Charlie Richard and Ora Lee Benson for their 73rd year of 
marriage.
  Mr. Charlie was the only child born to the late Beatrice Anderson-
Benson and the late Pinkney ``Bill'' Benson, Sr. on February 21, 1925. 
His mother died after giving birth to him. His father later married the 
late Martha Ross-Benson and had four children from this union. Pinkney 
``Nick'' Benson II, Robert ``Bob'' Benson, Mayzle Dean Benson who are 
all deceased, and his youngest sister, Gloria Benson-Remus, who lives 
in Lexington, MS.
  Charlie's father and grandfather were both farmers and he followed in 
their footsteps. He was also a self-taught carpenter, worked at a coal 
factory and retired from Fleetwood Homes both in Lexington, MS.
  On September 30, 1944 Charlie married his sweetheart, Ora Lee White. 
She is the third child of Lou Etta Thurmond-White and Cleveland White. 
She worked by her husband's side as a farmer and later worked many 
years as a cook at Lexington Elementary School until she retired.
  There were twelve children born from this union: Frank McKinley 
Benson, Beatrice Benson-McKennie, Mayzle Jean Benson-LeSure, Howard 
Benson, Sylvester P. Benson, Maxcine Benson-Cobbins, William Carl 
Benson (deceased), Billie A. Benson-Ramsey, Jimmie Louis and Mildred 
Louise Benson are twins (Mildred is deceased), Leon Benson and Laverne 
Benson.
  They have two god sons, Calvin Friar and Dennis Moore, also one god 
daughter, Diana Randle. There are 30 grandchildren, 41 great 
grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren and many nieces, 
nephews, relatives and friends.
  Mr. Charlie Richard served as a deacon until his health failed, and 
Mother Ora Benson served as a Mother on the Motherboard from the 
Guilding Light C.O.G.I.C. of Lexington MS.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
beautiful couple that is celebrating their longevity of love and 
affection for 73 years of marriage.

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