Miss Meredith Lavonne (Allen) Benjamin

“And her name shall be called Meredith LaVonne Allen” On Saturday, January 25, 1969 at 7:52 am Gladys Allen welcomed her eldest daughter into the world. Not only was she her mom’s oldest, she was also the eldest granddaughter of Cleo S. Belton and John Allen. She was truly the apple of her mom, grandparents, aunts and uncles eyes. In other words she was this little bundle of joy running an entire household of adults!!! Look at your neighbor and say she had them wrapped around her fingers!!! You gotta love it!!!

Meredith was a native of Ridgeway, SC and a product of the Fairfield County School System. She not only excelled academically, she excelled in her extra-curricular activities as well. Meredith became a part of Student Government in 7th grade, she held the office of Treasurer that began her love for politics. She ultimately became the student body resident for the 1st Graduating Class of Fairfield Central High School c/o “87; lead by her teacher and mentor, Sarah Chiles. She also loved being a part of the percussion section where she “Rock the Bells” in the Winnsboro Wild Cats & Golden Griffins Marching Band under the leadership of Raymond Mazyck. After high school, Meredith attended South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC and Midlands Technical College where she received her Associates Degree in Computer Science.

At an early age Meredith knew she was called to preach GOD’s word. She would often peak of the dream she had of the Holy Spirit speaking to her, Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”. It was then she told GOD she would be his mouth piece and that is what she was.
Although Meredith became licensed and ordained much later after she was called, she began her work immediately by witnessing to family and friends about the love of Jesus and about their salvation. Meredith was a magnet for people no matter if she was in the grocery store, shopping, on an outing with her children, at work, or even when she would go to chemo, she never missed a chance to share of the Goodness of GOD. While in Corporate America, Meredith quickly climbed the corporate ladder. However; her love for both family and ministry always came first. While placed in positions to help the growth of various ministries, living on both the east and west coast Meredith created countless Bible study materials, book clubs, Women’s Ministries and plays. Meredith loved to travel but she always had a heart for home and when the opportunity came to move closer, she jumped at the chance. It was then, that life would take an unexpected turn. However, that wouldn’t stop Meredith-- she continued to minister even more. She revamped her business Meredith’s Cakes”, she created a YouTube Channel called “Meredith’s Place” and along with her sisters “Gladys Girls” was created. While in Atlanta, Meredith was reunited with her college sweetheart, who she referred to as her “West Indian Chocolate Bar”, Adrian!!!

Meredith was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend who devoted her life to GOD. If you look up the word FAITH you would easily see her name. Her motto was whatever you do, do it with love. ❤️

She leaves to cherish her fond memories her son, Jon-Christian A. Benjamin, Atlanta, GA her daughters: Gabrielle A. Benjamin, Fayetteville, AK, Lauren A. Benjamin of Las Vegas, NV and Adriauna A. Benjamin, Atlanta, GA; her fiancé, Adrian A. Hunte, Cordova, SC, her bonus children: Jonathan A. Hunte, Boulder, CO, Michelle R. Hunte, Lake Tahoe, CA; mother, Gladys Allen of Ridgeway, SC, two sisters: Avril L. Allen of Blythewood, SC and Jasmiene L. Allen of Fort Mill, SC; three nieces: Logan A. Allen, Columbia, SC, London C. Allen, Charlotte, NC, Lydia N. Johnson; one nephew, Laurence W. Johnson, Blythewood, SC; one great-nephew, Landon O. Drakeford, Columbia, SC; three uncles: James (Diane) Belton, Kenneth (Martha) Belton, both of Ridgeway, SC, David Starks of Columbia, SC; three aunts: MaryFrancis (Donald) Caldwell of Columbia, SC, Linda Wilson of Vine Grove, KY; Gussie Harris of Columbia, SC. She had a special bond with her cousins on “The Hill” who she referred to as her sisters and brothers.

Funeral service will be 1 pm Friday November 3, 2023 @ Bethlehem Baptist Church, 330 W. Third St. Ridgeway SC 29130. Visitation will be Thursday November 2, 2023 from 3 pm to 6 pm @ Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180

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