Obituary of Theodore Lincoln Benson

Theodore Lincoln Benson (Teddy) was born February 11, 1960 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey.  He is the son of the late Samuel Jr. and Vivian Benson of  Riverton, New Jersey.  He departed this life on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Teddy was joined in holy matrimony to his wife Diane Benson.  From this union were born their children Theodore Lincoln Benson II, Aaron Samuel Benson and Tyler Edward Benson.

Teddy attended Riverton Public School and graduated from Palmyra High School before enlisting in the US Army where he served as a Military Police Specialist.  He served in Germany for most of his military career.

Teddy or Ted, as he was affectionately called by his church family, was a devoted member of Saint Paul Baptist Church where he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior through the baptism experience. Ted enjoyed serving in the Men’s Ministry, Music Ministry and the Security Ministry.  His St. Paul family could always count on him to offer his knowledge and skills whenever needed.  Teddy looked forward to and loved playing the bass guitar during rehearsals and services, accompanying the choirs.  His presence in church was uplifting to many.  His laughter and voluminous voice filled the church on Sundays, even after service as the “trio” continued to play musical selections on the piano, guitar and drums.  He enjoyed listening to Gospel and jazz music and practicing the bass guitar in his spare time, suggesting selections for the choir to learn.  His favorite jazz bass guitarist was Marcus Miller.

An electrician by trade like his father before him, Teddy was very knowledgeable in many areas of building construction.  He was the guy to call if you wanted it done right.  If he couldn’t do it, he knew who to refer you to.  He would say, “If I can’t fix it, I won’t touch it”.

Along with his wife and children he leaves to mourn his sisters Elva Sheppard, Renee Jefferson, Hope Sadler, Marsha Grant (Danny), Enise Richardson (Hilton), Beverly Pinkney (Eugene) and Robin Erickson, his  grandson, Aaron Jr., a dear friend Brother Ronnie Dixon and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his   brothers Samuel Benson III, Shawn Benson and sister Helene Tharpe. 

Ted will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving son, brother, father and uncle.  His willingness to serve the Lord and help his family and friends was endless.  The word “no” was not in his vocabulary.  His spirit was joyful through sickness and struggle.  His loss will remain heavy in our hearts, but we rejoice in his homegoing knowing it is well with his soul.