Margaret Helen Bennett

Obituary Margaret was born in Morrilton, Arkansas, the first born to Elvira and Amos Walker. She received her formal education in the Morrilton Public School System. The family relocated to Hayti, Missouri in 1940, then to Wardell, Missouri in 1942. They later moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1955. Margaret married Vernon Leon Bennett in the 1950’s. She graduated from Madam C.J. Walker’s School of Cosmetology. For many, many years, she worked as a Beautician at Dorothy’s Beauty Box and practiced her skills until she was physically unable. She was a Press and Curl Specialist even after it was no longer popular. Margaret was devoted to family and was very instrumental in shaping the lives of many of her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was like a devoted mother, but a big sister to her twelve younger siblings. Margaret ensured that all of them were dressed, fed, and manner able. She acted as if she “was her brother’s keeper”. Additionally, she was devoted to her extended Willis family. For numerous years she served as the Kansas City Coordinator for the Willis Family Reunions. Before the computer, Margaret was handwriting letters inviting family members to the reunion and requesting funds for the reunion. Margaret was extremely devoted also to her mother, Elvira Cowley who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her devoted brothers, Willis Martin, Ulysses Myles, Leroy Cowley, and a sister Mona Myles. She loved to cook and was well known for her homemade rolls. Other hobbies included crocheting, quilting and sewing Margaret Helen was united in faith with the St. Stephen Baptist Church family under the leadership of Reverend Dr. John W. Williams. She was a faithful servant for more than fifty years until she was physically unable to attend. A God-fearing woman she served the church in various capacities such as, President of the Senior Women’s Mission Union (SWMU), she taught (Metoka and Galedo) Sunday School classes, she served in the Union District Association in charge of banquets, she worked faithfully in the church’s food pantry serving meals to the homeless, and she was active in the Daughters of the Mother’s Board. Margaret was instrumental in convincing her sisters-in-law and cousin to join St. Stephens Mission. She frequently traveled to represent St. Stephens at numerous conferences and conventions. Margaret spent her last years at Redwood of Blue River. She enjoyed a hearty appetite at Redwood, daily visits with her brother, Willis (Brenda), frequent visits with sister, Maxine, as well as animated phone conversations with her younger brother, Esque. Margaret Helen Bennett leaves to cherish her memory and be thankful for her life, her brothers: Esque Martin (Lolita) of Oakland, California, John Cowley, and Charles Cowley of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters: M. Maxine Lewis of Shreveport, Louisiana, Charlene Jackson (Rudy), and Brenda Martin all of Kansas City, Missouri, and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and special friends. Funeral Service for Margaret Helen Bennett was held Monday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Baptist Church. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Helen Bennett, please visit our floral store. Read More

Margaret Helen Bennett

May 21, 1930 - July 4, 2018