Lonnie Ralph Bennett-Meridy

Lonnie Ralph Bennett Meridy was born on August 6, 1954, in Marianna, Arkansas to Francis Dunlap Willis, and Walter Meridy Sr. Lonnie was born in a household were Christian values, hard work, and love and support of family were a priority, and these attributes became the foundation on which he built his life.

Lonnie had a personal relationship with Christ at an early age. His favorite scripture was 23rd Psalms. We cannot forget about his favorite gospel song, “I’m Going Up Yonder.” He was a firm believer in always doing what was right. He served on few committees where he was a faithful and dedicated worker for the Lord.

Lonnie moved to Benton Harbor, MI in 1966. He attended Benton Harbor High School and graduated in 1972. Shortly after graduation he married the love of his life Lavana on August 12,1972, and from that union they had four sons, Myron, Antonio, Lonnie, and Demarco. Lonnie and Lavana instilled strong family morales and expectations of their sons and grandchildren. Lonnie had an immense love and passion for his family. It was nothing he would not do for his family.

Lonnie was always a jokester no matter where he was you could expect a good laugh, (his son Lonnie said he could have been the next Kat Williams, lol) He was a kind spirited person, who would give you advice when needed, but will also help set you start when need be. If you had the opportunity to meet Lonnie, you knew you had gained a friend for life. He was a fair, truthful, and inspirational husband, dad, granddad, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. His famous quotes, “Don’t take no wooden nickels,” “Ole’ good brother keep living and learning.” He was a firm believer and would always say “If you are doing wrong time will tell.”  He would always call his family every Christmas morning, singing Merry Christmas and giving them a good laugh.

 He was a dedicated worker for Bosch for over 30 years. He retired at the age of forty-eight to enjoy family and the life he built for them. After being retired, Lonnie got restless and picked up a part-time job as a food truck driver.

On November 7, 2024, Lonnie R. Bennett Meridy departed this life leaving to cherish his memory, his wife of 53 years Lavana J. Bennett; four sons Myron K. Bennett, Antonio Sr. (Tamiko) Bennett, of Sikeston, MO., Lonnie T. (Lettia) Bennett of Benton Harbor, MI., and Demarco L. (Tylashel) Bennett of Galloway, OH; nineteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; his siblings, Charles (Sharee) Bennett, Joyce Bland, Carolyn Bennett, Timothy Bennett of Benton Harbor, MI., L.B. (Mary) Bland of Dallas, TX., Toney Bennett of Sikeston, MO., Sherron (Harold) Mabins of Grand Rapids, MI. June (Jacqueline) Meridy Jr. of Columbus, OH., Linda (Greg) Collins of Kalamazoo, MI., Alvin Meridy of South Bend, IN., Evelyn Barnes of Dallas, TX., Diane (Lamone) Young of Benton Harbor, MI., Kenny (Tayana) Meridy Dallas, TX., Aritha Meridy, Charlecia Meridy,  Laronda Simmons, Walter Young of Benton Harbor, MI; his grandmother, Lillie Mayfield of Benton Harbor, MI; three lifelong friends, James Lee, Robert Sargent, and Terry Young and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by his twin daughters Zenobia Lanette and Zeowna Annette Bennett, his grandfather James Mayfield, stepfather Monroe Willis, his father Walter Meridy Sr., his mother-Francis Dunlap Willis, five sisters Emma J. Morris, Mae Bradey, Phylicia Bennett, Shirley Meridy, and Patricia Meridy, and one brother Deon Meridy.

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