Obituaries

Home Going Of Sis. Deborah Ann Benford

Funeral Service

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20,2021 12:00 P.M.WILSON CHAPEL CEMETERY BENCHLEY,TEXAS Reverend George Murphy Officiant

Obituary

His Lord said unto him,Well done, thou good and faithful servant:thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things;enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.Matthew 25:21 KJV

DEBORAH ANN BENFORD was born to the late Roosevelt and Fannie Mae Murphy on the 18th day of July 1959 in Elizabeth, Louisiana. She was the oldest of eight siblings and when she was ten years old, her family relocated to Oakdale, Louisiana. She accepted Christ at an early age. Deborah graduated from Oakdale High School in 1979 and furthered her education at Delta Business College and later graduated. Some years later in 1983, Deborah went to Houston, Texas, to visit her sibling and search for employment, when she later met the late Rev.James L. Benford, the father of their three sons. It was said that it was love at first sight as they were married two weeks of her visit.For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as herself.”Galatians 5:13-14 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks,let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter 4:10-11 NKJV

DEBORAH had the heart of a servant and was very passionate about the elderly. She felt this was her assignment from God and she enjoyed providing home healthcare. With every opportunity she made known God’s will. Her conversations would be about Jesus. If you asked her how she was feeling she would say “God woke me up this morning in my right mind”. This was her testimony. Deborah enjoyed cooking and would share with others. If you needed assistance with household chores, she would travel out of her way to assist; with an attitude of “Cleanliness is close to Godliness.” She loved to sing Praises to our Lord and dance in His presence.And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”Genesis 2:18 NKJV For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.Matthew 22:30 NKJV The 13th of November 2021, the Lord called Deborah home tore unite with the late Rev.James L. Benford, who preceded her in death exactly five years earlier on that date, not as his wife but as another angel to Glorify God together. “Love at first sight.” She is also reunited with her father, Roosevelt and mother,Fannie Mae and her baby brother Solomon Murphy. DEBORAH’S memories will be cherished by her three sons, James Lee Benford, Jr., Johnny Ray and wife Shamekia Benford, Justin Young and wife Paula Benford;nine grandchildren; one great-grandson;three brothers, Rev. Roosevelt Murphy Jr., Rev.George Murphy and Apostle Sylvester and wife Dr. Ursula Murphy; four sisters,Pastor Loretta and Tom Guillory, Mary and Richard Cooper,and Melinda Murphy; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.2 Timothy 4:7-8 N KJV