In Loving Memory

of

Dione Stephanie Clarke Bennett

Affectionately Known as "Charmaine"

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

With profound love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Dione Stephanie Clarke Bennett, affectionately known as Charmaine, who entered eternal rest on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Lake Mary, Florida, at the age of 53.

Charmaine was born on June 3, 1972, at Spanish Town Hospital in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to Karlene and Ezra Clarke. From the very beginning, she possessed a vibrant spirit, a compassionate heart, and a determination that would become the hallmark of her life.

In 1980, Charmaine emigrated to the United States with her parents, who settled in East Orange, New Jersey, where they established a loving home and strong foundation rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. It was there that Charmaine's character was shaped and her lifelong commitment to God began to flourish.

At the tender age of thirteen, she publicly professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at First Fellowship Cathedral in Orange, New Jersey. She actively participated in the church's youth choir and developed a deep love for worship and ministry that would remain with her throughout her life.

Education was one of Charmaine's greatest achievements and a testament to her resilience and determination. After graduating from East Orange High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) in May 1996. Driven by a desire to help others, she later pursued a Master of Science degree from Walden University, concentrating in Mental Health Counseling. Her academic accomplishments reflected her belief that education was not only a pathway to personal success but also a means to uplift and serve others.

For more than thirty years, Charmaine devoted her professional life to advocating for children and families. While pursuing graduate studies, she began her distinguished career with the Department of Children and Family Services in New Jersey, where she faithfully served throughout her professional journey. Her work was far more than a career—it was a calling. Through compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication, she became a voice for the vulnerable and a source of hope for countless families. The impact of her service will continue to be felt for generations to come.

On June 20, 2010, Charmaine married the love of her life, Jowel Bennett. Their union was built upon a foundation of friendship, faith, mutual respect, and unconditional love. Together they created a life filled with cherished memories, unwavering support, and deep devotion to one another.

Among Charmaine's greatest treasures was her beloved son, Darnel Clarke. Becoming a mother at the age of sixteen presented challenges that many believed would limit her future. Instead, she transformed those challenges into a powerful testimony of perseverance, faith, and God's sustaining grace. She often referred to Darnel as her miracle child and one of her proudest accomplishments. Through every season of life, her mother stood faithfully beside her, providing encouragement, strength, and unconditional love. Years later, that same love would come full circle during Charmaine's greatest personal battle.

In late 2020, signs of illness began to emerge. In July 2021, Charmaine was diagnosed with Frontal Lobe Dementia, a devastating disease that would profoundly alter the course of her life. Yet even in the face of such adversity, she was never alone. Her husband, mother, brothers, sister, and extended family surrounded her with extraordinary love and care. Together, they made the decision to relocate her to Florida, where she could receive the support and specialized care she needed.

No effort was spared in the pursuit of treatment and answers. Family members became tireless advocates, consulting specialists, seeking additional evaluations, and exploring every possible avenue of care, including placement on the waiting list at the Mayo Clinic. As the disease progressed and her physical abilities declined, the love surrounding her only grew stronger. Her family remained steadfast, ensuring that she was cared for with dignity, compassion, and unwavering devotion every step of the way.

Throughout her life, Charmaine remained firmly anchored in her faith. She found joy in serving the Lord through praise dance ministry, women's fellowship, and worship. Her love for Christ radiated through her service and touched all who knew her. Even as her illness advanced, gospel music continued to stir her spirit. The songs she loved remained etched upon her heart, serving as a reminder that while the disease affected her body and mind, it could never diminish her faith.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Charmaine appreciated life's simple pleasures. One of her favorite pastimes was watching Hallmark movies, long before her illness. The stories of hope, family, faith, and enduring love reflected the values she embraced and shared with those around her.

Charmaine was a fighter until the very end. Her courage, strength, and determination never wavered. In one final act of love, she held on long enough for her beloved son, Darnel, to arrive from New Jersey and for her brother, Jermaine, to travel from Atlanta to be by her side. Her brother Dwayne and her cherished sister Hopie remained connected by phone, offering love and support during those sacred final moments. As her mother held one hand and her husband held the other, Charmaine peacefully transitioned from this life, surrounded by the people who loved

her most. It was a beautiful reflection of the unbreakable bonds of family and faith that defined her life.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Charmaine's suffering has ended and that she now rests peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of sixteen years, Jowel Bennett; her beloved son, Darnel Clarke; her loving parents, Karlene and Ezra Clarke; her sister, Karlene "Hopie" Rambaran; her brothers, Kevin, Jermaine, and Dwayne Clarke; her treasured daughter-in-law, Molly; and her precious granddaughters, Amelia and Maya, who were truly the light of her life. She also leaves behind six nieces, two nephews, numerous cousins, extended family members, dear friends, church family, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, advocacy, faith, and love.

Charmaine's life stands as a powerful testimony that circumstances do not determine destiny. Through faith, perseverance, courage, and unconditional love, she overcame obstacles, uplifted others, and left an indelible mark on every life she encountered.

While we grieve her absence, we celebrate her legacy. We honor a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, proud grandmother, sister, faithful servant, compassionate advocate, and extraordinary woman of God.

Her life was a blessing. Her memory a treasure. Her love a gift beyond measure.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Flowers & Donations

• Fresh-cut floral arrangements may be delivered to City Church on the morning of the service by 9 AM to ensure they are fresh and properly prepared for the celebration of life.

Delivery Address:

City Church (Central Campus)

1711 S Orange Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32771

• Potted plants may be delivered to the funeral home one to two days prior to the service:

Waldon Professional Funeral & Cremation Services

3560 Plymouth Sorrento Rd

Apopka, FL 32712

• In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City Church in honor of Dione Clarke Bennett using the link below.

https://app.securegive.com/OrlandoCityChurch/central-campus/donate/category