Harriet Elizabeth Benner

Harriet Elizabeth Benner (“Betty”) peacefully passed away on November 21, 2025.  She was born on August 3, 1935 in Hagen, GA. 

She moved to the Washington, DC area in 1953.  She worked at a law firm in Washington, DC.   She married the love of her life, Gordon Benner and they raised their sons, Stephen, Michael and Douglas in Randolph Hills and later in Olney, MD. As a younger widow, she re-entered the workforce and raised her sons during a difficult time to be the outstanding men they are today.  Most recently she resided at Leisure World, where she met many friends on her almost daily walks.  Even at 90 years she was still walking almost daily and several miles each week. 

Later in life she enjoyed traveling across the US to hear barbershop and gospel music.  The Gaither Vocal Band was one of her favorites.  Betty was also an avid reader and kept up-to-date on many current issues.  Her beliefs and opinions were so strong she would join the protests with others at Leisure World.   She will also be remembered for her amazing chocolate chip cookies.  They were made with love as we would say. 

Her family and her faith were her foundation throughout her life.  Her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her the most joy in life.  Betty was an active member of Redland Baptist Church for over 50 years.  Before her passing she was at peace knowing she would see her husband Gordon and those that had passed before her in heaven.    

She was proceeded in death by her husband Gordon Benner, her mother Virginia Olson and father Gladstone Walton Rogers and her sister, brother, sister in-laws and brother in-law. 

She is survived by Stephen (Mary), Michael (Jeralynn) and Douglas (Marye), 8 Grandchildren Christy (Troy) Scruggs, Melissa (Mark) Jones, Nicholas (Gretchen) Benner, Robert Benner, Kevin (Joslyn) Benner, Brian Benner, Nicole Benner and Blake Benner as well as 7 Great-Grandchildren, Jordan and Jionni Jones, Madeleine, Jackson and Lydia Benner, Ryan and Luke Benner. 

A Celebration of her life will be held at Redland Baptist Church at 6922 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD on Monday, January 19th with family Visitation from 10 am – 11 am and the Service following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Redland Baptist (https://www.redlandbaptist.org/) or to the Casey House-Montgomery Hospice (https://montgomeryhospice.org/hospice-care/casey-house/) in Rockville, MD.

Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace with her Savior.