Marilyn Elodia Benjamin Petersen Dies at 85

Marilyn Elodia Benjamin Petersen, transitioned into eternal life on March 3. She was 85 years old.

She is survived by her daughters: Dairdre Marie Petersen-Heath, Tracie Marie Gallion and Trenia Marie Gallion Fincher (Texas); son-in-law, Keithly O. Heath; adopted son, Luis “Tony” “Atiba” Rivera; and grandchildren: Aleen Jaynae Edney James, Elmer “Binx” Wilfred James, Vincent “Vinny” Gordon Fincher, Imani Shanae-Marie Heath, Vriana Nadine Marie Fincher, Vashaad Gordon Fincher, Ian “Orie” Oriel Heath and Vritany Ronella Marie Fincher.

She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Niaomi Brown, Vardeet Brown, Malcah Brown, Sigaleet Brown, Devont’e Jamal James, Inslee Carroll and Arianna Shena-Marie Saxton; great-great-grandchildren: Aamir Lee Brown and Ahmad Lee Brown; brother, Marvin O. Benjamin Sr.; and sisters: Doris D. Benjamin Miller, Sherill N. Benjamin Ryan (NY) and Sharon M. “Faffy” Benjamin Dennis.

Other survivors include nephews: Delroy M. Iles, Chester Benjamin, Heartsille Benjamin II, Ulric F. Benjamin Jr., Darryl Miller, Gregory E. Miller Jr. Dwayne Samuel, Ronald Benjamin, Heartsille Benjamin III, Orsil “Emmett” Samuel, Marvin O. Benjamin Jr., Jamal Benjamin and Kevin Dennis; nieces: Joyce Marie Benjamin Encarnacion, Alda Benjamin, Sherri J. Poree, Christina Benjamin-Serieux, Jislaine Benjamin, Elisa Hansen-Linton, Shawn I. Miller, Shantel Dupree, Michelle Solomon Guerrero, Brandi Symes and Keisha Dennis; sisters-in-law: Bessye Benjamin and Pauline Benjamin; brother-in-law: Attorney Gregory E. Miller Sr.; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The family requests that those in attendance wear festive and floral colors.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 4, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Interment will be at Christiansted Cemetery.