Ms. Harriet Jayne Benjamin

Harriet Jayne Savant Benjamin was born August 11, 1962, to Marshall and Willie Mae Fontenot Savant in Lake Charles, LA. After losing her mother at a very young age, Harriet was relocated to Opelousas, LA, to be raised by her grandmother, Gustavia James. Harriet accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age. She was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. A.L. Taylor. Harriet, who many called "Janie," was educated in the St. Landry Parish School System, graduating from Opelousas High School in 1980. Shortly after, she attended Southern University, where she desired to become a Registered Nurse. Janie stopped her education after welcoming her beautiful daughter, Brionka Benjamin. She later welcomed her son, Martin Benjamin IV, who many call her twin. Although unable to finish her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse, Harriet remained in the medical field and served as a devoted Certified Nursing Assistant for several years, working long hours caring for others who could not care for themselves, and she never complained. (The only time she fussed was when she could no longer work, lol), her independence was everything to her. Janie always worked multiple jobs to ensure her children and grandchild never went without. "Janie" had a heart filled with love until her dying day. Harriet leaves to mourn her passing while cherishing precious memories of two children, Brionka Benjamin of Beaumont, TX, and Martin Benjamin IV (Tamysha) of Opelousas, LA; fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a special niece, Tracy Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Willie Mae Fontenot Savant; a brother, Preston "Red" Fontenot; her sisters, Gladys Fontenot, Linda Savant, Brenda Savant, Delores Daniels, and Charlene "Mum" Greene; former spouse, Martin Benjamin III; her niece, Marshariki Watkins, and great-niece, Gabrielle Watkins. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Saturday, January 4, 2024 at Williams Funeral Home. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial Park. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Ms. Harriet Jayne Benjamin

August 11, 1962 - December 25, 2024