Ms. Milzella “Madea” Bennett Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Milzella “Madea” Bennett, 86, formerly of Peoria, IL, departed this life Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Heritage Health Care Nursing Home in Springfield, IL. She was born on July 08, 1934, in Tchula, MS to the late Ollie and LouAgnes (Hemphill) Blakes. Milzella confessed Christ at an early age. She was an active member of Star of Hope Full Gospel Church. In the church she served on the United Usher Board, and was a dedicated usher for over 20 years until she became ill which prevented her from attending church. She worked at Methodist Medical Center for 17 years as a Environmental Service Tech, where she also received her G.E.D. and retired in 2004. Milzella was a devoted, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grand mother, sister, aunt, and cousin. She was a resourceful Christian who loved cooking, baking, and family gatherings. Milzella leaves to cherish her precious memory: (2) sons: Claude Bennett Jr. and Kelvin Bennett both of Springfield, IL; (8) daughters: Mary Bennett, Alzenna “Susie” (Michael P) Bennett- Bolden, Velma (Floyd) Pitts, Brenda Bennett; all of Springfield, IL; Ora "Peaches" (Alan) Bennett-Waithe, Margaret Bennett, Barbara (Sam) Bennett-Risby, and Gwendolyn (Melvin) Purnell all of Peoria, IL. (2) sisters: Minnie Hill of Racine, WI and Viola Hinton of Omaha, NE; (2) brothers: Levi Blakes of Omaha, NE and AJ Blakes of Chicago, IL; 43 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved and will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; Ollie and LouAgnes Blake, husband; Claude Bennett Sr., (1) daughter; Rosezella (Shortee) Gibson; (1) step-son: Charles Bennett; (4) brothers; Ollie Blake Jr, Booker T. Blake, Elijah Blake, and Johnny Blake; (3) sisters;Littie Ann Mize, AmieBlake, and Louella Clark (4) grandchildren and (2) great- grandchildren. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel at 11:00 a.m., privately. A public visitation will be held two hours prior at 9:00 a.m. Bishop Joseph Johnson of Star of Hope Full Gospel Church will officiate and Pastor Spencer Gibson will give words of encouragement. Due to COVID-19 mandates social distancing and masks are required. For those who are not able to attend the service online viewing is available via Zoom App ID# 635 986 7225 password: 8fvQHy. Milzella will be laid to rest at The Historic Springdale Cemetery.

Ms. Milzella “Madea” Bennett

July 8, 1934 - July 19, 2020