Obituary of Izetta Clara Benford

Izetta Clara Benford was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 5, 1945. Lovie, as she was known to her family and friends, was the seventh and last child of Alphonza and Frances Franklin. She was baptized at St. John Chrysostom Church and received her early childhood education in the Philadelphia school system, and formal education in New York City. Lovie met Emmett Benford early in life, and he routinely traveled from New York City to Philadelphia to court her. On September 16, 1962, she married Emmett, and from that union they had two children, Erik and Michelle, and the family resided in New York City for many years. They returned to Philadelphia in 1979 so Lovie could care for her ailing parents. She continued her kind and loving pattern of life by caring for others as a nurse at the Philadelphia Veteran's Hospital for nearly thirty years. She had a reputation for being the most compassionate person a patient could ask for. Many of her patients requested "that short nurse with the pretty smile, and big heart" to be their caregiver. She also cared for her husband at home until his passing in 2004. Lovie loved to travel, dance, sing, swim, and bowl. Some of her most cherished memories were connected to family gatherings, and she enjoyed cooking, playing games, and mentoring generation after generation of the youngsters in her circle. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she loved to decorate the house and tree. In fact, she loved decorating so much, you could often find her hanging wallpaper, painting, or installing backsplashes. Lovie, the last of her generation, was called home after years of battling illness. She was surrounded by family and friends until the very end. She leaves to cherish her indelible memory and effervescent love children Erik Benford and Michelle Brown, one daughter -in-law Pamela Benford, three grandchildren Corey and Jasmean Benford, and Kristina Brown, three great-grandchildren Jada, D'Angelo and Malachi Benford, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.