James L. Benner

James L. Benner, 83, of Newark, DE returned to his heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on May 5, 2019 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God carried him through a long and happy life and ultimately gave him peace. James worked for Chrysler for over 42 years and retired in 2001. In his younger years, he worked with his father at Benner Brothers Plumbing in Ohio. He was one of the founding members of Friendship Baptist Church as well as a deacon, Sunday school director, and teacher. James enjoyed music, playing his guitar, and he loved to sing. Also, in his spare time, he loved working on cars, fixing many things and spending time with his family. James was born to the late Jesse V. Benner and Marzella E. Benner, in Portsmouth, Ohio on March 2, 1936. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse Virgil Benner and Darryl Benner, and his nephew, John Combs. James was blessed with a large and loving family and is survived by his loving wife, Rosetta (Coleman) Benner of 63 years; his three daughters, Carolyn Snyder and her husband Terry of Middletown, DE, Susan Connell and her husband Robert of Elkton, MD, Sheila Stecher and her husband, Edward, of Bear, DE; his three sons, James Benner and his wife, Kelly, of Auburndale, FL, Jesse Benner and his wife, Sharon, of Newark, DE, and Joseph Benner of Newark, DE. James was the proud grandfather of 16 beautiful grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Flo Polk of St. Petersburg, FL, Bonnie Bertram of Ohio, Diana Kritzwiser of Ohio, Connie Martin of Ohio and his brother Bruce Benner and his wife, Donna of Ohio; as well as his many brother-in-law’s, sisters-in-law’s, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. The viewing will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 5pm to 7pm with services beginning at 7pm at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE 19711. The burial will take place at the the Green Coleman Family Cemetery in Shelbiana, KY on Tuesday, May 14th. Memorial donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 2200 Glasgow Ave, Newark, DE 19702.

James L. Benner

March 2, 1936 - May 5, 2019