Harriet (O'Dell) Benjamin

CASSVILLE-Harriet Louise Benjamin, 84, passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

Harriet was born on July 19, 1938, and grew up in the country in Walton, NY with her parents and brother, near numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Edna (Wright) O'Dell; brother, Bob O'Dell; her husband, James Benjamin and sons, Jimmy Benjamin and Tom Benjamin.

Harriet enjoyed spending her life as a wife, mother of 6 children and grandmother of 16 children, living in Cassville, NY. She attended Cassville Community Baptist Church for many years and greatly appreciated her friends there.

Harriet later moved to assisted living at the Lutheran Home in Clinton, NY in 2004. She was affectionately known as “Mother Hen” and “the Butterfly Lady” by the staff and residents. She was known for having a smile on her face, a kind word to share, and personally drawn pictures, crafts and embroidery work to give away. Harriet was also known for her love for her family, children, and grandchildren.

She spent the last few months of her life at The Pines in Utica, NY, and passed peacefully in her sleep.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, son, Drs. Rich and Becky Benjamin, and their children Arielle, Darcy and Karina of Gambrills, MD; son, David Benjamin of New Hartford, NY, Tina Benjamin and their children, Danielle, Rachel, Rebekah and Lydia of West Winfield, NY; daughter, Mary and Larry Perkins and their children, Sarah, Ben, Adam, Joy, Matthew and Gabriel of Lancaster, PA; daughter-in-law, Charlene Benjamin and her sons, Matthew and Luke of Utica, NY and daughter, Susan and George Meadows III and their son, George IV of Midlothian, VA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service officiated by Pastor Wilton Rose on Tuesday, September 6 at 10AM at Cassville Community Baptist Church, 9559 Summit Rd, Cassville, NY 13318. She will be laid to rest with her son Jimmy in Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Remembrances in Harriet’s name may be made to Cassville Community Baptist Church or the Lutheran Home, 110 Utica Street, Clinton NY 13323.