Joseph Benson

Joseph Garfield Benson, was born on December 18, 1959. He was the middle child of seven children to the parents of the late Fannie Mae Robinson and Milford Hawkins. Growing up in Dover, Delaware, he was educated in the Capital School District. After leaving school, Joseph began working jobs at places such as King Cole’s and General Foods. Through life’s transitions, he found his calling in cooking and was able to land his perfect job at Golden Corral. As he grew in his career, he was able to ascend to the position as Chef at Delaware State University, alongside his brother, William Benson, where he had a 20 plus year career. Renowned for his culinary skills, Joseph was requested to prepare meals at Delaware State for the likes of Actors, Hill Harper and Leon, President Barrack Obama and the late Dr. Ulysses L. Washington, Jr., to name a few. Some of the meals he was known for was his fried chicken, fried fish, macaroni and cheese and BBQ dishes. Joseph was always a God-fearing man that would strengthen his faith studying the Bible and attending services at Holy Trinity U.A.M.E. Church in Dover, Delaware. He would also later marry his life-long love of 40 years, Sharon A. Dunbar . Joseph was loved and respected by family and friends in the community. Besides cooking, he loved to collect movies and then watch them on his down time. He was a fan of the Washington Redskins, and those who knew him best, knew the took great pride in his appearance, even when at work. He mostly enjoyed relaxing moments with his wife and grandchildren while watching W. W. E. wrestling (Raw and Smack Down). On May 16, 2020, at Bayhealth Hospital, surrounded by his family’s love, Joseph Garfield Benson was called home to be with the Lord. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Juanita Benson; brother, William T. Benson; and son, Joseph Felix. Left to cherish his love and memory are his wife, Sharon A. Dunbar; one biological son, Nathan J. Dunbar; two stepsons, Quincson J. Dunbar, Sr., and Isiah Dunbar; one stepdaughter, Ikea M. Dunbar; a biological grandson, Nathan J. Dunbar II; four step-grandsons, Quincson J. Dunbar, Jr, Azmir J. Dunbar, Jamel J. McIver and Corrithian J. Francis; eight step-granddaughters, Cyaza C. Dunbar, Kyara T. Dunbar, Promise L. Wright, Briana L. Dunbar, Johanna M. Dunbar, Skyla M. Dunbar and Amaya J. Dunbar; a precious granddaughter due in September, Nysiah L Dunbar; one daughter-in-law, Alexis Spady; two sisters, Mary Kilson and Evelyn Marie Benson; two brothers, Harry Benson and Milford Benson; three sisters-in-law, Dolores Dixon, Devra E. Goode and Charlotte Benson; two brothers-in-law, David Dunbar, Jr. and Johnny Kilson. He will also be cherished by his nieces; nephews, cousins and a host of other family members, coworkers and friends. Lovingly Submitted by The Family

Joseph Benson

December 18, 1959 - May 16, 2020