Imogene Bender

Imogene Bender (Jean) was born August 27, 1937 to the late Zedic and Daisy Harris in Prairie Alabama. She was the second youngest of seven siblings. Three brothers David Lee, Earl Lee, Owen Harris, and one stepson, Thomas Wynn all preceded her in Death.

She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Prairie, Alabama. She moved to Detroit in her early 20’s and joined Tried Stone Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Terrell. She later married Charlie Bender (who preceded her in death) and two families were joined together. Later in life, she joined Enon Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and remained a faithful member and served on Usher Board No. 3 until her health no longer permitted. Even after her health would not allow her to physically serve, she faithfully sent her tithes because she was determined to still serve God as much as she could.

Imogene enjoyed cooking soul food and you had not eaten good food until you sat at her table or went to pick up a plate. She enjoyed serving as much as she enjoyed cooking and eating. She lived God’s Word when he said in Matthew 25:34-40. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger and ye took me in: Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. When Imogene knew that anybody was hungry or needed a place to sleep they found a place at her table and shelter in her home.

Imogene loved her gospel spirituals and had the voice of a song bird. She was a great dresser who enjoyed her fabulous suits, dresses, and hats. Even when she became a mature woman, she did not leave home unless everything was together. Imogene lived life to the fullest and enjoyed entertaining people and joining her family at weddings, birthdays and all celebrations. She was proud of all of her children and grandchildren and encouraged them by telling them to do their best.

Monday, June 6, 2011, Imogene followed the last commandment from God given to her, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Quietly she stepped into her heavenly home.

To celebrate Imogene’s life are three sisters, Dorothy Foster, Willie Ann Harris, Lottie Mae Dickinson, cousin Lula Alexander, her son, Dennis Harris; Daughters Gwendolyn Patterson (Dennis), Phyllis Harris-Stephens (Gregory), and Annette Harris, Cynthia Freeman (Tyrione), Melissa Bender, 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, Columbus Street neighborhood, Enon Tabernacle Church family and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.