William Joseph Bennett

The Life of William Joseph (Bobo) Bennett

William Joseph Bennett, Age 77 born September 1, 1942 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Joseph

and Pauline (Thomas) Bennett. A native of Bemis Street, he attended Henry Elementary School (GR) and

Morley-Stanwood High School (Morley MI). `

After returning to Grand Rapids, he graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1961. After high

school, he attended Davenport College. William then transferred to Aquinas College where he

completed his studies and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in

Education. He was a dedicated schoolteacher, a Cost Accountant for General Motors, clothing salesman

and a Job Developer for the City of Grand Rapids. Above all, he was a friend to all that knew him.

Bobo’s first and only church home was Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, where he happily served on

the Bereavement committee up until his passing.

Bill and Gwen, whom he always referred to as his Sugarplum met while she was walking by him at a bus

stop in 1963. It was also by chance that his aunt and her aunt worked together, where an official

introduction was made. From that introduction, the course was set and on September 20, 1965, with

Eugene Mason and Brenda “Cookie” Hardiman standing by their side, they were united in matrimony by

Reverend Albert Keith. From this union came W. Todd, Rodney and Kecia. With the budding family, they

decided to place their roots on Dunham Street, where they planted the seeds into a home for their

children. Bobo loved living on Dunham Street. He enjoyed sitting and cat napping on the porch with

their neighbor Ethel Thomas of 55 years where he offered food to the neighborhood while eagerly

engaging in conversation with anyone that drove by.

Bill loved sports, he had a lifetime love for the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons and Michigan State

Spartans. He was known for yelling to his neighbors “Go Green” and would sometimes encounter a “Go

Blue” before responding with “Go White”. He was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s

GREATEST supporter. During any activity or athletic event, you would always hear that voice over

everyone in the auditorium or gymnasium. Everyone knew when Bobo was at the game!

On June 15, 2020 Bobo peacefully embraced his wings and flew to heaven.

Bill is proceeded in death by his father Joseph, mother Pauline, daughter Carla McDermott, and godson

Ron Snead Jr. He leaves to cherish in his memory his loving wife of 55 years Mary (Gwen/SugarPlum),

sons W. Todd and Rodney, daughters Kecia (Anthony), Katrina Powell, adopted daughter LaTiese (Karl)

Marshall. His grandchildren Jazmyn Bennett-Lopez, G. Jayde (Daniel) Bennett, Jayvon Bennett, Logan

(Jessica) Bennett, Wendell Malone II, Jessiah (Sheana) McDermott, Marquis McDermott, MaKenzee

Powell, Natalie Barnett, and Kevion Stokes. His great grandchildren also known as “His Crew” Phyenix

Gillespie, Brayden Christian, Phyre Jace Bennett, Bailey Christian, and Kennedy Jayde Christian. His

sister Charlotte Washington, sister’s in-law Imogene King, Charlesetta (Kenneth) McDermott, Brother’s

in-law George Bailey, John (Helen) Bailey, Clifford Bailey, Terry (Faye) Long, Rick King, William Bailey.

Aunts Janice Young and Ruth Malone. God daughter Harriet Washington and special cousin Carolyn

“Dee Dee” Lucas.

William leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends who mourn his passing,

but will forever celebrate his remarkable life, and the dynamic legacy he left for all of us.

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